By Canadian Press

Nunavut community locks down due to COVID-19 cases, Iqaluit jail faces outbreak

Jan 25, 2022 | 11:51 AM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — One Nunavut community is under a strict lockdown as COVID-19 spreads rapidly among households.

All offices and schools in the Baffin Island community of Igloolik, where about 1,600 people live, are closed and travel is restricted.

Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says there are 17 active COVID-19 cases listed in the community, but notes the numbers are much higher because of a lag in testing. 

Patterson says most of the calls to the territory’s COVID-19 hotline have been from Igloolik residents and household exposure has risen dramatically. 

Justice Minister David Akeeagok says there are also 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Iqaluit’s jail. 

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There is a total of 247 active cases of COVID-19 in 17 communities throughout Nunavut. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press