By Canadian Press

Nunavut community declares state of emergency over rising COVID-19 numbers

Feb 24, 2021 | 9:45 AM

ARVIAT, Nunavut — The Nunavut community of Arviat has declared a state of emergency over rising COVID-19 case numbers.

There are 27 active cases in the community of about 2,800 people.

Arviat was previously the centre of Nunavut’s largest COVID-19 outbreak with 307 total cases.

Starting today, the community will be under curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with four additional bylaw officers hired for enforcement.

Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. says people who break the curfew can face fines.

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The community, which is currently the only place in Nunavut with active cases, has been under a strict lock down since early November, with travel restricted and all schools and non-essential businesses closed. 

Arviat’s council will decide on March 1 whether the state of emergency will be renewed. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2021. 

The Canadian Press