1 COVID-19 case in Qikiqtarjuaq, several exposure notices issued in Iqaluit

Nunavut public health officials announced 11 new cases of COVID-19in the territory, including one new caseQikiqtarjuaqon Tuesday, bringing the territory's total case count to 37.

There are now 20 cases in Iqaluit, 10 in Rankin Inlet, five in Pangnirtung, one in Sanirajak and one in Qikiqtarjuaq.

Exposure notices

The Nunavut government issued exposure notices on Tuesday for several locations, including aCanadian North flight, bars, and the movie theatre.

Anyone who was seated in rows six to nineon board Canadian North flight5T-870 from Iqaluit to Sanirajak, with service to Rankin Inlet, on Dec. 21 is impacted by the exposure notice.

Everybody in those rows must isolate for 14 days from their flight date and call the hotline at 1-888-975-8601 to arrange for testing, regardless of vaccination status.

There are also exposure notices in Iqaluit for:

• The Chartroom on Dec. 20from 7:30 p.m. to close
• The Legion on Dec. 22 from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
• NuBrewPub on Dec. 22 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m
• The Astro Threatre on Dec. 22 at 8:30 p.m. during the showing of Sing 2
• The Discovery Lodge Granite Room on Dec. 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Peopleaffected by the notices areasked to monitor themselves for symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, for two weeks, while those who are not vaccinated are told to isolate and arrange for COVID-19 testing.

"COVID-19 cases continue to rise and we now have active cases in five of ourcommunities. The more communities affected by COVID-19, the greater the pressureon our health care system," said NunavutChief Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Patterson.

Patterson said it's important for people to follow all public health measures because "Nunavut's infrastructure and limitedresources make it difficult to manage several outbreaks simultaneously."

"Do not gather with anyone outside of yourhousehold, wear a mask, keep physical distance, and isolate on return to the territory if you are not triple vaccinated. Successfully managing the spread of COVID-19 requireseveryone to do their part to keep one another safe. Please don't take chances."

Public health measures in place until Jan. 7

There are strict public health measures in effect across the territory until Jan. 7. Travel restrictions are in place forRankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung.

Travellers to those three communities can only enter for essential purposes, such as returning to their home community or travel to Southern Canada.

All non-essential travel between Nunavut communitiesis "highly discouraged."

Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Patterson will hold a live update at 11 a.m. EST onWednesday.

The update will be livestreamed on CBC North's website and Facebook page. You can also listen on the Legislative Assembly TV channel, or on the radio in Iqaluit at 92.5 FM.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms should call the COVID hotline at1-888-975-8601 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, or notify their community healthcentre right away by telephone. Health officials ask that people do not go to the health centre in person.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Nunavummiut aged five and older, and boostersare available for anyone 12 years and older. Contact your health centre to make anappointment.