Skip to main content
Open this photo in gallery:

Nunavut's chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, says it is vital that everyone try to limit the spread of COVID-19.Emma Tranter/The Canadian Press

Nunavut’s chief public health officer is reporting 20 new cases of COVID-19 with cases now in Cambridge Bay.

Dr. Michael Patterson says there are 94 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.

That includes 31 in Iqaluit, 28 in Rankin Inlet, 13 in Pangnirtung, 10 in Sanirajak, six in Arviat, two in Cambridge Bay, two in Qikiqtarjuaq, one in Igloolik and one in Baker Lake.

Patterson says this wave of COVID-19 is spreading quickly across Nunavut, Canada and the rest of the world.

He says it is vital that everyone try to limit the spread.

Patterson asks Nunavut residents to stay home, not gather, wear a mask and get vaccinated.

“Only one person per household should go to the store – it is not a place to socialize,” he said in a news release.

“The seriousness of the Omicron variant and how it is overwhelming our health-care system cannot be overstated.”

Strict public health measures are in place in the territory until at least Jan. 17 and travel restrictions are in place for Rankin Inlet, Pangnirtung, Sanirajak, Igloolik and Arviat.

Travel to and from those communities is restricted to essential purposes only, as well as residents returning to their home community.

Our Morning Update and Evening Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today.

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe