Nunavik now has 6 cases of COVID-19

A sixth case of COVID-19 was announced for the Nunavik region Friday evening.

In a news release from the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, the individual was described as living in Puvirnituq, a village in northern Quebec. Three cases were recently identifiedin the community after its first case was announced on April 1. It was on March 28 thatthe region's first case was identified in Salluit.

According to the news release, the individual is hospitalized and in isolation at the Inuulitsivik Health Centre. The patient and close family members were already in isolation when the patient was confirmed to have the illness. An investigation is underway.

Residents are reminded to maintain two metres of physical distancing, as well as to:

• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Avoid visiting elders, friends and family in close spaces (at home or in cabins,for example).

The Nunavik health board reminds residents not to go to nursing stations if they believe they are ill with the novel coronavirus. Instead, they are asked to call the Info-Health line at1-888-662-7482 between10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. Outside those hours residents are asked to contact their local nursing station.