The Nunatsiavut Government is calling on Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Claims Agreement to remain calm and to continue adhering to all public health protocols following confirmation of a presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Makkovik today. The case is connected to recent travel from the St. John’s metropolitan area.
All cases of COVID-19 are considered presumptive until confirmed by Public Health officials. The test results are scheduled to be sent to St. John’s today for confirmation.
Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority and the Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development are working closely together to track all contacts, and arrangements are being made to have all residents of Makkovik tested for COVID-19. Details are expected to be announced today.
Meanwhile, all flights to and from the community have been suspended until further notice, with the exception being for medical emergencies only. Residents are also asked to not travel by snowmobile to any other communities under any circumstances, to stay in their homes and to avoid contact with those from outside their households.
“We still have a long way to go before the threat of COVID-19 passes,” says Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. “Even though the vaccine has been administered to residents in Makkovik, people should continue to follow all public health protocols, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing of at least two meters from those outside your immediate households.”
The Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development will begin the process of implementing an emergency COVID-19 response plan for Makkovik. Similar plans have also been developed for the other Inuit communities, and will be implemented if necessary.
Residents of Makkovik should immediately contract 811 if they exhibit any of the following COVID-19 related symptoms: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; worsening cough; high fever; chills; fatigue or weakness; headache; stomach pain; diarrhea; or vomiting.