Nunavut's reported COVID-19 case count doubles overnight, hitting 74 total cases
CBC
Nunavut's COVID-19 rising case count is bringing its health care system to a "breaking point," says Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
The Nunavut government is extending its lockdown to Jan. 17, and seeking federal assistance for the health care system and contact tracing.
Akeeagok said COVID-19 is now in eight Nunavut communities, with the reported case count rising from 32 cases to 74 overnight.
There are 25 cases in Iqaluit, 22 in Rankin Inlet, nine in Sanirajak, nine in Pangnirtung, six in Arviat, one in Qikiqtarjuaq, one in Baker Lake and one in Igloolik.
"There is community transmission of COVID-19 in five of our communities. We need everyone to follow all the public health measures to try to get these outbreaks under control," said Dr. Micahel Patterson, Nunavut's chief public health officer.
"Public health is everyone's responsibility, and your actions determine how our communities will get through this latest wave."
The spread across communities means frontline workers are "stretched to the max" and that staff are working around the clock to contact trace and test people, said Akeeagok.
"We all need to be community-minded to contain the spread of the pandemic in our territory," he said.
Akeeagok said even people who are triple vaccinated should not travel within Nunavut or down south, and should avoid gathering outside of their immediate household.
Nunavut is appealing to the federal government for help responding to the current outbreak, including for additional N-95 masks and more nurses.
The outbreak is made worse by Nunavut's housing shortage, and the territory needs more housing to allow people to isolate at home, said Akeeagok.
He reminded the public that Pangnirtung had a tuberculosis outbreak followed by a COVID-19 outbreak.
Akeeagok encouraged Nunavummiut to avoid all gatherings. He said people should stay in touch with elders by calling them, writing to them, and dropping off country food.
"We need to celebrate safely without gathering, once again."
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