False positive of COVID-19 in Nunavut: Territory returns to having no cases

Monday, May 4th, 2020 3:33pm
Last week's press conference held with Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq (left) with translator Ooleepika Ikkidluak at the Legislative Assembly April 30 to announce the first case of COVID-19 in the territory.

Last week Nunavut reported the first case of COVID-19 in the territory at Pond Inlet, but today Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, has announced that after retesting it has been determined the initial result was a false positive.

“We have a very comprehensive system of investigating and tracing COVID-19 in the territory to ensure checks and balances are in place. Testing is one component, and further tracing, monitoring and evaluating information helps us capture the whole picture,” Patterson said.

As there were no other positive tests in Pond Inlet, “we decided to ask for the original swab to be re-tested and a new test to be conducted,” he said, and Nunuvut again became COVID-19 free.

While orders under the public health emergency remain in effect, all additional measures specific to Pond Inlet as a result of the positive case are now lifted.

Travel between Pond Inlet and other Nunavut communities may resume, and community-specific restrictions on business and services in Pond Inlet are also rescinded.