A resident of Pond Inlet has contracted Covid-19.
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The person is reportedly doing well and is in isolation, according to the Government of Nunavut.
A Department of Health rapid response team is on its way to Pond Inlet to provide care and ensure the community has needed supports. As well, an investigation is underway to determine who the infected individual has been in contact with.
“We did anticipate that it was only a matter of time before our territory had a confirmed case, and unfortunately today is that day,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut's chief public health officer.
Premier Joe Savikataaq added, “There is no need to panic. Nunavut has had time to prepare, and we are in a solid position to manage this. We ask people not to place any blame, not to shame and to support communities and each other as we overcome Covid-19 in Nunavut.”
The only authorized travel into Pond Inlet is for emergencies and cargo -- this includes travel by land, according to the GN.
Anyone who has reason to believe they have been exposed to Covid-19 is advised to call the Covid-hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or notify their
community health centre right away, and immediately isolate at home for 14 days. Please do not go to the health centre in person.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. The best protection from spreading or catching the disease is physical distancing, handwashing for at least 20 seconds, coughing and sneezing into an elbow and staying home as much as possible.