Nunavut health minister wants to see more people vaccinated against COVID-19

IQALUIT – Nunavut’s health minister says he’s concerned too many residents are either not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

John Main says he wants people to encourage their friends and family members to get a shot.

Chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, says a person who died from COVID-19 earlier this week was over 70 years old and was not fully vaccinated.

Government figures show 71 per cent of those five and older have had two doses of vaccine.

There are 175 reported cases of infection spread over 19 communities.

On another question, Government Services Minister David Joanasie says his department is looking to have bottled water flown up for Iqaluit’s vulnerable population — but not for the general public — after fuel was found in the city’s drinking water again last week.

People in Iqaluit couldn’t consume their tap water for two months last fall after it was found to be contaminated with hydrocarbons.