The number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase sharply in Inuit communities in northern Quebec. A total of 55 new cases were added yesterday. As a preventive measure, a temporary 16-bed hospital will be erected next week in Kuujjuaq.
The region has 233 active cases, the majority of which are in the community of Salluit which has 162 active cases, out of a population of 1241 inhabitants. Since October 6, 355 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nunavik. Of these, 190 are 18 years of age or older and 80% are not adequately vaccinated. Seven people were hospitalized and 5 had to be evacuated to the South.
Number of active cases in Nunavik
- Kangiqsujuaq: 56
- Kangirsuk: 56
- Kuujjuaq: 11
- Salluit: 162
- 122 cases recovered since October 7
The number of positive cases posted daily “does not correctly reflect the trend followed by the current outbreak,” indicates the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS). “Transportation of specimens, along with other reasons beyond our control, delays the delivery of screening test results. Thus, a false sense of confidence can negatively affect the perception of the current crisis situation, ”indicates the NRBHSS.
Intensive screening in Kuujjuaq
The community of Kuujjuaq has only 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19. But community transmission is very important there, according to the NRBHSS. Since Friday, the health authorities therefore ask “that an individual per household be tested in a preventive manner”. “Select an individual under your roof who is not vaccinated and / or in contact with other people during their day (eg: daycare, store, workplace, etc.)”, indicates the NRBHSS.
Several measures are in place in Nunavik to limit the spread. Any meeting bringing together people from different communities is prohibited. All the communities in the region are at the orange alert level. The communities of Kuujjuaq, Salluit and Kangirsuk are at the red level. All non-essential public places are closed there. Curfews are imposed.
Starting next week, a 16-bed temporary hospital (Ajarpirvik) will be erected in Kuujjuaq to deal with a possible influx of patients. The objective of this hospital is “to provide essential care without compromising the rest of the users in the health services already in place”, indicates the NRBHSS. The hospital will have 6 intensive care spaces and 10 stretchers for patients with COVID-19.