IQALUIT, NUNAVUT – Nunavut is tightening public health restrictions related to COVID-19 in Iqaluit, including restricting travel within and outside the capital for essential purposes only.
The territory said on Thursday that the city’s swimming pool, theater, and hair and nail salons were to close.
Restaurants are limited to take out only.
Indoor gatherings in homes are limited to five people plus household members. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
Indoor public gatherings in community spaces, including libraries, gymnasiums and arenas, are limited to 25 people or 25 percent of their capacity. And churches are limited to 50 people or 25% of their capacity, with no singing.
The territory said the changes come after a case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Wednesday in a person who has not left Iqaluit for more than a month.
“This leads us to believe that there may be community transmission in Iqaluit,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, chief public health officer for the territory, in a statement.
He added that it will take seven to 10 days before it is known whether this is the rapidly spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant.
“As such, we are immediately tightening restrictions and limiting movement within and outside the city. Anyone who has traveled from Iqaluit to another community in Nunavut since December 15 should self-monitor and immediately call the COVID hotline if they develop symptoms. “
As of Thursday, there were three active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Earlier this week, the government reported two cases in Pangnirtung – the first cases involve the hamlet of around 1,500 people. It was not known if this was the Omicron variant.
The territory restricted movement in and out of Pangnirtung for essential purposes only and imposed harvesting limits.
Prime Minister PJ Akeeagok on Tuesday called on people to stay alert during the holidays as Omicron cases rise across the country.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 23, 2021.
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