By The Canadian Press

Top doctor says Nunavut’s COVID-19 outbreak ‘testing the limits’ of capacity

Jan 5, 2022 | 11:52 AM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across Nunavut, with confirmed or presumptive cases in 14 of the territory’s 25 communities. 

There are 231 active cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut, mostly in Iqaluit, Arviat and Rankin Inlet. 

Five Nunavut elders have also tested positive for COVID-19 at Embassy West Senior Living Facility in Ottawa. 

A news release from Nunavut’s health department says it’s the first COVID-19 outbreak the facility has had since the pandemic began.

The cases in Nunavut are the most widespread outbreak in the territory to date, with COVID-19 cases rising in many of its small communities.

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Nunavut has been in lockdown since Dec. 24 and Nunavut’s chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says the outbreak is testing the territory’s health-care limits.

“Managing this many simultaneous outbreaks is testing the limits of our capacity. It’s vital all Nunavummiut remain calm, kind, patient and committed to the public health measures in place,” Patterson said in a news release.

“On behalf of health-care staff in all our communities, please help us manage this wave and allow us to prioritize those who need help the most.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2022. 

The Canadian Press