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GN advises Nunavummiut who attended Toronto mining conference to self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms

Residents of Nunavut who attended the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2020 in Toronto are being urged to watch for the development of any symptoms of the coronavirus Covid-19.

Nunavummiut who attended a mining conference in Toronto may have been exposed to a man who was later diagnosed with the coronavirus Covid-19.
Pixabay photo

A man who attended the conference on March 2-3 was days later tested positive for Covid-19.

Symptoms, which could develop within 14 days, include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia in both lungs.

Nunavummiut who took part in (PDAC) can carry on with most activities of daily life without posing a risk to others — such as getting groceries or working at a desk with more than one metre of separation from co-workers — according to an advisory from the Department of Health and Social Services.

However, these people are encouraged to avoid public gatherings, face-to-face meetings, air travel and eating dinner at restaurants or in the homes of others.

If symptoms become noticeable, the individuals should contact the local health centre to arrange for a test. They will be asked to isolate themselves at home until the test results are known.

The Department of Health and Social Services recommends the following steps for all Nunavummiut to avoid spreading any virus:

• Stay home if you are sick
• Encourage those you know are sick to stay home
• Avoid handshakes, hugging or kissing when greeting others
• Wash your hands regularly
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys, phones, toilets,
electronics, bedside tables, television remotes and door handles