IQALUIT, NUNAVUT – Nunavut has ordered an immediate “circuit breaker” lockdown on the growing COVID-19 cases in various communities.
The government said on Friday that all indoor gatherings are banned and all non-essential businesses must close.
Libraries, gyms, arenas and churches must also be closed. Restaurants are limited to takeout only.
Visitors are no longer allowed into long-term care homes and elderly facilities.
Nurseries can only open to essential workers and schools will have to stay closed until at least January 10.
The changes come a day after the territory announced tighter restrictions in Iqaluit, when a case was confirmed in a person who had not left the capital in more than a month.
As of Friday, there are eight active cases in Nunavut, up from three on Thursday.
Public health director Dr Michael Patterson said there were three cases in Iqaluit, three in Pangnirtung, one in Sanirajak and one in Rankin Inlet.
“With the introduction of COVID-19 in many communities over the past week, we have had to move to the strictest public health restrictions across the entire territory,” Patterson said in a news release.
“This is a groundbreaking approach to reducing the spread to even more of our communities. We need to act quickly to help track and contain the outbreak.
“I understand this will make the holiday season harder for a lot of people, but it’s essential for the health and safety of our communities and loved ones.”
This Canadian Press report was first published on December 24, 2021.
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