Visits to patients in Nunavik health care centres suspended

Nunavik’s health board has suspended all visits to patients in health centres in Puvirnituq and Kuujjuaq and to residents in elder care facilities to avoid the potential spread of the novel coronavirus to vulnerable people.

“With this measure, we want to protect vulnerable people like our precious elders and people with a weakened immune system. Together we can make a difference,” said Marie Rochette, regional director of public health at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services in a March 15 news release.

The ban on visitors also includes the Ullivik boarding house in Dorval for Nunavimmiut on medical travel.

The health board released an earlier statement advising that all travel within the region, and to and from the south, be postponed.

“Many preventative measures can be applied by the public and the organizations, such as repeated messages to observe respiratory and hand hygiene, avoid hugs, avoid shaking hands and regularly disinfect public space,” said Rochette.

Updates and announcements on the coronavirus have been frequent.

On March 13, the Province of Quebec adopted an order in council declaring COVID-19 a health emergency.

This move, according to the province, will give the Ministry of Health and Social Services additional powers to, for example, make prompt, necessary purchases of equipment or confirm contracts that affect the health of the population.

The province also banned all indoor public gatherings of over 250 people.

And Makivik Corporation has cancelled its annual general meeting in Akulivik that was scheduled to take place from March 23 to 26.

“We are taking immediate action to protect Nunavik Inuit from the potential spread of the virus into our communities,” said Makivik President Charlie Watt in a news release.

“We are taking this pandemic very seriously, and are taking every precaution to lessen the possibility of the virus entering our region.”

Various sporting events have also been cancelled throughout Nunavik.

The province has recommended voluntary self-isolation for anyone travelling outside the country on or after March 12.

Mandatory isolation will be imposed on public service employees, as well as public or private employees in health care, education and daycares.

Schools and daycares were also closed by the province until March 30.

To lessen the threat of the coronavirus, the health board recommends frequently washing your hands with soap and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water isn’t available, the board suggests using hand sanitizer.

They remind people to cough into the crook of their elbow and throw all tissues into the garbage. If any person has a cold or flu, they are advised to avoid contact with elders over 70 years old.

If any person has symptoms such as fever, cough or respiratory problems and has travelled outside Canada or could have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past two weeks, they should contact their local community services centre by phone.

More information on the coronavirus can be found on the health board’s website.