By Canadian Press

Other COVID-19 cases in Nunavut linked to ongoing outbreak in Iqaluit

Apr 20, 2021 | 12:32 PM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Nunavut’s chief public health officer says there’s a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission in Iqaluit and other Baffin communities after cases popped up in Kinngait.

Dr. Michael Patterson announced two cases yesterday in the community of about 1,500 people on the southern tip of Baffin Island, bringing the territory’s total case count to 33.

There are 31 active cases of COVID-19 in Iqaluit, where the outbreak has shut all schools, non-essential businesses and workplaces.

Patterson, who originally said the Kinngait cases were not related to the Iqaluit outbreak, says contact tracers have since found a direct link through close contact with a family member in Iqaluit.

He says he’s concerned because the number of contacts related to the territory’s active cases is continuing to increase.

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But Patterson says the two Kinngait cases left Iqaluit before the first case in Iqaluit was diagnosed and there is no risk to others on that flight. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.

The Canadian Press