Shutting down air travel to some of Nunavut's communities to limit further transmission of Covid-19 is "not a practical solution," according to the territory's premier.
"There are always reasons why being connected is necessary – essential goods and services, emergency safety situations, health emergencies and more," Premier Joe Savikataaq said on Tuesday. "However, non-essential travel is highly discouraged. I’m reminding you that if you don’t need to travel right now, just don’t. It’s that simple, because right now your actions could impact everybody’s health.
"I know how uncertain things are right now, but I ask everyone to remain calm and stay
strong ... Nunavummiut, now is not the time for rumours about how Covid-19 came into the territory or who might have the virus. Now is not the time to spread misinformation or
scare people with opinions that are not facts. Now is not the time for negativity.
"Let’s stay positive, kind and pay strict adherence to all the public health measures. And
if you haven’t been vaccinated – book an appointment! There’s no use in being scared
when you can be prepared instead," said Savikataaq.
Nunavut's chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson revealed that his office has now confirmed that there is in fact a direct link between the two Covid cases in Kinngait and the outbreak in Iqaluit.
"This demonstrates that there is increased risk of introducing Covid-19 infections to other communities in the Baffin region," Patterson said. "
The new cases in Kinngait cause concern that there is a greater risk of transmission in
Iqaluit. I strongly urge everyone to follow the public health measures, wear a mask in
public and stay home as much as possible."
The territory now has 31 active cases of Covid, all in Iqaluit and Kinngait.