Nunavut health authorities report new case of COVID-19 in Arviat
Health authorities in Nunavut are reporting another case of COVID-19 in the Inuit community of Arviat, bringing the total number of active coronavirus infections in the Arctic territory to 18, all in the small hamlet on the western shores of Hudson Bay.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, said “all individuals are asymptomatic, doing well and are isolating.”
Contact tracing in the community is ongoing and public health staff are monitoring everyone in isolation, Patterson said.
Nunavut’s Rapid Response Team is supporting the community health team, he added.
Health authorities are asking anyone who has travelled to and from Arviat since Jan. 19 to limit their contacts and self-monitor for symptoms. These travellers are also being asked to contact their local health authorities to help with contact tracing and monitoring.
Vaccine doses still available in Arviat
Nunavut health officials said vaccine doses are still available in Arviat and encouraged residents over the age of 18 to contact the health centre to make an appointment.
“Thank you to everyone who has participated in the vaccination clinics so far. Your example and commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Nunavummiut is appreciated,” Patterson said in a statement. “It’s important that everyone continue to practise all public health measures for the foreseeable future.”
Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days, health officials said.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 in Canada’s North, CBC News
Denmark/Greenland: Greenland authorities buoyed by high demand for COVID-19 vaccine, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: COVID-19 variant prompts Iceland to require quarantine for children entering country as of January 13, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Norway closes borders over fears of virus, but exempts Russian fishermen from severely infected border region, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russia’s Northern Fleet begins 2nd stage of COVID-19 vaccination, Radio Canada International
Sweden: Sweden’s northernmost county among regions to introduce stricter COVID-19 recommendations, Radio Sweden
United States: After early containment success, there’s now rapid COVID-19 spread in rural Alaska, including the Arctic, Alaska Public Media
