Presumptive COVID-19 case in Nunavut may be territory’s first infection

“We anticipate that these results will be available early next week,” Patterson told a news conference. “Until then, this is being classified as a probable case of COVID-19 for Nunavut.

“If the additional testing yields a positive result, this will be considered Nunavut’s first confirmed case.”

Nunavut reported what was thought to be the territory’s first case of COVID-19 in Pond Inlet in late April, but it later turned out to be a false positive.

The government said no Nunavut residents have worked at the mine since March and, as it is considered as essential service, its operation is to continue.

Patterson added that the workers are not required to isolate when they travel into Nunavut, as they fly directly to the mine for their work rotations.

He would not reveal where the worker involved in the probable case is from.

Health Minister George Hickes said employees at the mine do not have contact with community members.

And he said it’s best for mine workers who are Nunavut residents to stay home.

“There’s a lot of concern with having Nunavummiut go to the mine site then go back to the community. So to my knowledge, all of the operating mines in Nunavut are still paying their Nunavut employees to not go to work right now out of fear of contamination of the community.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2020

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Presumptive COVID-19 case in Nunavut may be territory’s first infection

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