Canadian North is reassuring Nunavummiut that the airline is maintaining strict safety protocols, that its facilities are safe and that its essential services remain open after one of its employees tested positive for Covid-19 in Iqaluit on April 14.
"We are co-operating fully with the public health team and assisting in and supporting their efforts to identify anyone who may have had close contact with the individual. Our highest priority is to protect the safety of our employees and customers," the company stated in a news release on Thursday morning. "All of the safety protocols and Covid-19 measures are being followed including wearing face masks, physical distancing and regularly sanitizing work areas."
Contact tracing is underway to determine who the infected individual may have been in close proximity to over the past few days. Iqaluit is consequently in lockdown, as ordered by Nunavut's chief public health officer.
Canadian North added that it's anticipating a large number of phone calls to request changes to flight reservations. The company asks customers to remain patient as it works through the high volume.
"We also expect there may be temporary delays or disruptions in processing cargo shipments to and from Iqaluit, but we will prioritize food, medical supplies and other essential goods. We ask that customers only (send) essential shipments to and from Iqaluit at this time," the airline stated.