Confirmed case of COVID-19 in Rankin Inlet
Confirmed case of COVID-19 in Rankin Inlet
Iqaluit, Nunavut (November 11, 2020) – Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 in Rankin Inlet.
“We have initiated contact tracing in the community, and are working quickly to identify anyone who may be considered a high-risk contact. Rankin Inlet has a large public health team on the ground, but a Rapid Response Team is on standby to help manage the situation if it becomes necessary,” said Dr. Patterson. “We ask the residents of Rankin Inlet to remain at home as much as possible and limit contact with others, including family members outside their household. It is critical that health measures are strictly followed by everyone to quickly contain any potential spread in the community”.
The individual is in isolation and doing well. Travel to and from Rankin Inlet is not advised at this time. Any individual who has travelled to or through Rankin Inlet, with a layover of longer than four hours since November 5, must self-monitor for 14 days from when they left Rankin Inlet. [GU1] Only essential services are to remain open with grocery stores implementing reduced hours. Indoor gatherings are no longer permitted, and all outdoor gatherings are limited to five people or less. Residents are required to wear a mask while outside of their homes.
“To the residents of Rankin Inlet and all Nunavummiut, I ask you to remain calm and caring. Compassion and understanding will help us through this situation,” said Minister of Health Lorne Kusugak. “Now is the time to be vigilant with social distancing, washing your hands, and staying home. I’m sending my best wishes for a quick recovery to the patient, and strength to everyone in Rankin Inlet.”
This positive case does not affect the current Common Travel Area with Churchill, Manitoba. Details about impacts to the Common Travel Area with the Northwest Territories will be forthcoming.
Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 is advised to call the COVID-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, or notify their community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
An update will be provided at a press conference at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, November 12.
Media Contact:
Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
@email
Chris Puglia
A/Manager Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email