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Security guard tests positive for Covid-19 at Nunavut isolation hub in Ottawa

Yellowknife's two probable cases of Covid-19 have now been confirmed by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.
Yellowknife's two probable cases of Covid-19 have now been confirmed by the NWT's Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

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.