A Nunavut resident on medical travel out of territory has tested positive for Covid-19, confirmed chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson today.
Due to privacy reasons as well as considering the positive case is outside of Nunavut, the GN will not reveal the patient's home community. The GN however did share the patient has been in southern Canada for about six weeks. The patient was receiving treatment for an issue unrelated to Covid-19.
“The individual is receiving care in the south and is doing well,” said Patterson. “We are confident this poses minimal risk of bringing the virus to Nunavut, as any travelers who might have come into contact with the patient have to isolate for 14 days prior to their return to Nunavut,” stated Patterson in a news release.
“I wish this individual a speedy recovery and know they are receiving excellent care in the south. I want to assure Nunavummiut that this does not pose any additional risk within our territory but encourage everyone to stay vigilant in their efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Nunavut,” stated Minister of Health George Hickes in the news release.
The GN plans to provide an update of this situation on Tuesday, May 19 at 3 p.m, during the next press conference.