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BREAKING: Mayor and council ask public to delay non-essential travel to Iqaluit

Anyone planning to visit Iqaluit for non-essential purposes is being asked to delay their travel.

“The health and well-being of our residents is our priority and we are urging people not to travel to Iqaluit, unless absolutely necessary,” Mayor Kenny Bell says.
photo courtey of Kenny Bell

Mayor Kenny Bell and city council held an emergency meeting Sunday to arrive at that recommendation in light of the threat posed by COVID-19.

“Iqaluit is a hub for travel to the region, and we must to do whatever we can to prevent the risk of infection in our community and the rest of Nunavut,” Bell stated. “The health and well-being of our residents is our priority and we are urging people not to travel to Iqaluit, unless absolutely necessary.  Residents who have plans to travel outside Nunavut should also consider delaying their trip.”

In addition, a decision to cancel the Toonik Tyme spring festival was announced on Saturday. Due to be held in three weeks, the organizing committee 123GO! stated that calling off the festival was necessary to “mitigate the risk of exposure to the community and volunteers.”