Iqaluit sees first recovery

On April 21, the Government of Nunavut (GN) announced one additional active case of COVID-19 in Iqaluit, as well as the first recovery in the community. The number of active cases in the capital remains at 31, with 33 in the territory.

"Today we have confirmed one more infection in Iqaluit and one recovery. Contact tracing continues both in the city of Iqaluit and Kinngait," said Nunavut's chief public health officer (CPHO) Dr. Michael Patterson.

A person is considered recovered when they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. For most people, that is around 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date the test swab was collected in asymptomatic cases.

"(Recoveries) are part of the information on finding out when Covid-19 arrived in Iqaluit or when it was introduced. That helps us get closer to figuring out the most likely way it was introduced," said Patterson.

"I urge people not to panic or spread rumors. We will announce cases as they are confirmed and there is no need to speculate on where COVID-19 is," he adds.

The premier repeated cautions for Nunavummiut to follow the public health measures in place, as the virus can spread very easily in communities. He also stressed the importance of everyone able to be vaccinated getting their shots booked.

"Our neighbors to the south are waiting weeks and months for a chance to be vaccinated. Nunavut has the vaccines, they are here and available. It is now up to you to do your part and help protect our communities."

Arviat outbreak declared over

"Yesterday, Arviat's outbreak is officially over and I congratulate the community on getting to this point," said Patterson.

"If in the upcoming days there are no changes to the current risk in Arviat, we will be in a position to ease the restrictions there on April 26."

Come next Monday, the restrictions will line-up with those of the rest of the Kivalliq region.

"That will mean all businesses can open, schools can open."

Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 100 people, indoor household gatherings will be restricted to the household plus 15 visitors. Social distancing must continue to be practiced in public outside of immediate household members. Conferences and community hall gatherings will be limited to 100 people or 75 percent capacity.

Recreation facilities will open with group sessions limited to 25 people and masks are strongly recommended.

"The difference (from) when the outbreak in Arviat first started is we have point-of-care testing in the community and the staff in the community," said Patterson, adding that the hamlet staff have gone to "great pains" to get as many adults as possible vaccinated.