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Exemptions no longer needed to travel in and out of Arviat

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Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Patterson speaks during a GN Covid-19 update on March 26. Trevor Wright/NNSL photo

Those travelling in and out of Arviat will no longer need exemptions from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO).

Community members who still need to isolate, however, will need to finish their 14-days prior to doing any traveling.

"People still under isolation after exposure to Covid-19 are not allowed to travel until their isolation period is complete," said CPHO Dr. Michael Patterson.

Anyone required to isolate and does not do so, including travel in and out of the community, could be subject to a fine under public health orders.

"This will reduce the risk of further transmission of Covid-19, the community and health teams have worked hard to bring Arviat back to no active cases."

Half of all adults vaccinated

This week Nunavut passed the 50 percent mark of all adults receiving the first dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

"This is great news, but one dose is not enough. As second dose clinics roll out across the territory I encourage those who receive their first dose to also get the second shot," said Patterson.

Those who have missed their appointment for the first dose of the vaccine can still make another as more vaccine is available at health centres.

"Out of all the measures that keep us safe, the vaccine is the most effective and our best protection against Covid-19."

KIA election to continue in Arviat

The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) will be holding it's election next month and polls will continue in Arviat with modified health measures.

"We will ensure that public health measures do not prevent these important activities from going forward," Patterson said.

"To assist elections during the pandemic, we have developed guidelines that will help organizers safely plan and hold elections.

"It won't be the same to elections prior to the start of the pandemic because of the restrictions, but the election can continue and experience from other jurisdictions has shown it can be done safely in circumstances like this as long as everyone's careful."