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.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

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