Nunavut community declares state of emergency over rising COVID-19 numbers
February 24, 2021
By
The Canadian Press
ARVIAT, Nunavut — The Nunavut community of Arviat has declared a state of emergency over rising COVID-19 case numbers.
There are 27 active cases in the community of about 2,800 people.
Arviat was previously the centre of Nunavut’s largest COVID-19 outbreak with 307 total cases.
Starting today, the community will be under curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with four additional bylaw officers hired for enforcement.
Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. says people who break the curfew can face fines.
The community, which is currently the only place in Nunavut with active cases, has been under a strict lock down since early November, with travel restricted and all schools and non-essential businesses closed.
Arviat’s council will decide on March 1 whether the state of emergency will be renewed.
