According to a Sunday release, two students from Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit Middle School have contacted COVID-19. The city has been experiencing a COVID-19 surge for quite some time, and because of that, the schools have started dividing students into two cohorts ever since reopening.
On Monday, Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit Middle School will partially open because of the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in the area.
Dr. Michael Patterson stated:
“At this time, the risk is deemed low for the remaining schools in Iqaluit and our recommendation is they remain open. We also do not anticipate any changes to child care facilities staying open.”
The two students who contracted the virus were in Cohort B, and if their swabs and swabs of their relative come back negative, then Cohort B will be allowed to come back to school on Tuesday. If they do come back positive, then a new plan will be devised.
Patterson added:
“I know this is a very uncertain time for parents, students, and staff, and I understand your worries. However, as we learn to live with COVID-19, we need to ensure a balance between lockdown and moving forward in our new normal based on the latest evidence available.”
Dr. Patterson encouraged all parents to visit Pfizer vaccine clinics for Nunavummiut aged 12-17 that will open next week.
