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Nunavut to drop its mask mandate Friday, more than a month after COVID-19 outbreak

The Nunavut flag and the Canadian flag are seen Saturday, April 25, 2015 in Iqaluit, Nunavut. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Paul Chiasson) The Nunavut flag and the Canadian flag are seen Saturday, April 25, 2015 in Iqaluit, Nunavut. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Paul Chiasson)
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IQALUIT, Nunavut -

Nunavut's chief public health officer says people living in the territory will no longer be required to wear masks starting Friday, but he says they are still strongly encouraged.

Dr. Michael Patterson says indoor public gatherings -- such as in community halls -- will also be allowed to have 75 per cent capacity.

Restaurants, bars, theatres and places of worship can open to 75-per-cent capacity and there will be no limits on outdoor gatherings.

Friday marks two weeks since Iqaluit's COVID-19 outbreak was declared over, which Patterson says is the benchmark for further easing restrictions.

Iqaluit's first case was declared on April 15 and an outbreak swelled to 253 cases, with the last person recovering in late June.

The government says 66 per cent of Nunavut's eligible population is fully vaccinated and there are no cases of COVID-19 in the territory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2021.

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