Nunavut eases restrictions in some communities; rapid tests coming

IQALUIT, Nunavut – Restrictions are to ease in 15 Nunavut communities starting Monday as COVID-19 cases slowly drop across the territory.

Outdoor gatherings in the communities will increase to 15 people and 10 people will be able to gather in a household.

In all other communities, including Iqaluit, indoor gatherings are still restricted to five people and restaurants are closed.

Chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, says people who test positive for COVID-19 will need to notify their high-risk contacts.

Patterson says only high-risk contacts will be asked to isolate for 10 days.

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says rapid COVID-19 tests will be distributed to essential workers in Iqaluit, including taxi drivers and grocery store staff.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2022.