A security guard at Ottawa’s Residence Inn, an isolation hub for Nunavummiut, has tested positive for Covid-19, according to Ottawa Public Health.
Ottawa Public Health informed the GN of the positive test on Wednesday and indicated the staff member was likely infectious while working shifts on Aug. 16, 17, 18 and 19. The GN’s Department of Health is working to identify any possible exposure between the staff member and clients who were in isolation during that time.
“We are currently establishing what risk, if any, there is to Nunavummiut and we will begin contact tracing in territory if necessary,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer.
There’s a possibility that those currently isolating at the Residence Inn in Ottawa will be delayed in returning to Nunavut.
“We will make all decisions based on the best medical advice and take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe,” said Health Minister George Hickes.
Any Nunavummiut who were in isolation between Aug. 16-19 at the Residence Inn in Ottawa and have since travelled home to Nunavut are asked to monitor for symptoms of Covid-19. It is recommended that these individuals also maintain strict social distancing.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Nunavut is Canada’s only jurisdiction to remain without a single confirmed case of Covid-19. Across the country, there have been 126,000 cases and more than 9,000 deaths attributed to the virus.
All the Nunavumiut, workers, teachers, medical travel, might be exposed and worse, infect others while flying back to Iqaluit and then spreading it around airport, taxis, community. Better to close down for 2 weeks, better safe than sorry.
I think right now if people from nunavut are going to isolation in any Hotels. That any security guard should not go out of the hotel and be out in the city. Like when there then there security guards then go home then after all going out in been out of the hotel.then go back to work when there out going to places were they are covid 19