Nunavut had successfully kept the coronavirus at bay for months, but now has outbreaks in Arviat and Rankin Inlet. Now, the region is suffering its first community outbreak of and will close all non-essential services, as well as schools, for at least two weeks, officials said on Monday.
Nunavut reported 34 new cases of Covid-19 Tuesday, bringing the total number of active cases in the territory to 60, according to Nunatsiaq News.
Covid-19 outbreaks in Canada’s northern territories are particularly concerning because healthcare services are limited and because there are often numerous people living under the same roof, which facilitates the spread of the virus.
“The last week has shown us just how quickly Covid-19 spreads,” Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer said in a release.
Everyone who has been identified as being infected is in isolation and is doing well, Patterson said.
