Nunavut's first case of COVID-19 confirmed in Sanikiluaq

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT -- Nunavut's chief public health officer has confirmed the territory's first case of COVID-19.

Michael Patterson says in a news release that the confirmed case is in the Hudson Bay community of Sanikiluaq, where about 850 people live

Patterson says his department has started contact tracing and a rapid response team has been sent to the community.

Patterson says to contain a potential spread, all Sanikiluaq residents should remain at home and limit contact with others, including family members not living in the same household.

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The release says the individual is in isolation along with family and all are doing well.

All travel to and from Sanikiluaq is restricted, with the exception of cargo shipments and emergency travel.

Grocery stores will operate at reduced hours and shoppers are required to wear masks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2020.