By Canadian Press

Nunavut health officials plead for Iqaluit residents to stop gathering

May 14, 2021 | 12:19 PM

IQALUIT — Nunavut’s health minister says he wants Iqaluit residents to stop gathering so the city has a shot at a normal summer.

Lorne Kusugak scolded residents at a press conference this morning as a COVID-19 outbreak continues in the city.

Public health measures there currently restrict all indoor and outdoor gatherings. 

Nunavut’s chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, says a recent gathering between multiple households has resulted in several infections in children.

Twelve more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Iqaluit, which declared its first case April 14, bringing the city’s active total to 78, and 264 people are in isolation.

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Iqaluit is currently the only place in Nunavut with active cases.

Patterson warns that the more people have to isolate because of COVID-19, there is an increased risk that essential services will be affected.

“We have a very short summer and it seems it’s getting shorter by the day,” Kusugak added. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2021. 

The Canadian Press