Dr. Michael Patterson, the territory’s chief of public health, says it’s “an unfortunate reminder” that “Covid-19 is not gone, and we predict that Nunavut can expect a new wave of infections this winter. “I urge everyone to get vaccinated,” he added. “Vaccination is our best defense against severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death.” Health Secretary John Mayne echoed that message. “We can all protect the health of others by getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, wearing a mask, washing our hands often and using rapid home tests,” Main said in a press release. The last death from COVID-19 in Nunavut was reported in May. Nunavut is not alone in reporting deaths from COVID-19 long after public health restrictions were lifted and the number of cases is no longer being reported. The Yukon reported its 30th death from COVID-19 earlier this month. The last publicly reported death from COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories occurred in April. Jeremy Bird, a spokesman for the NWT health department, said in an email that there have been three deaths from COVID-19 in the territory since April 1, bringing the total for the territory to 25. The region stopped publicly reporting deaths from COVID-19 on July 1. Currently, all Nunavummiut six months of age and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Second booster doses (or fourth doses) are available to anyone over 18 years of age. Booster shots are also available for people five years of age and older, as long as six months have passed since they had the second dose of the vaccine. Nunavummiut who want to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations can also call the regional COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601.
