4Th Wave Of Covid 19 Expected In Nunavik

Infectious disease expert says region may see higher cases due to spread of new strains in the south

Globally reported cases of COVID-19 have increased by nearly 3% in the past two weeks, according to the World Health Organization. (Image by PIR04D from Pixabay)

By Meral Jamal

People in Nunavik should expect a fourth wave of COVID-19 in the coming weeks, says the clinical guide to infectious disease for the Nunavik Department of Public Health. Dr. Yassen Tcholakov says the spread of new variants in southern Canada is contributing to the increase in cases there. This includes the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which are monitored by the World Health Organization. “We’re just trying to prepare the population for what we’re seeing elsewhere in the province and elsewhere in the world,” Tcholakov said. In Nunavik, there are 37 active cases reported in the region of about 12,000 people as of July 7. Tcholakov said that mutations in the virus, as well as periods of time when people spend more time indoors, lead to the spread of COVID-19. “There’s going to be times when there’s less COVID, there’s going to be times when there’s more COVID,” he said. “Covid is constantly changing a bit, and some of the new strains may be more virulent.” Tcholakov said it is important to note that the infections caused by the new Omicron subvariants do not appear to be as severe as those seen during previous waves involving other variants. The best way for Nunavimmiut to protect themselves from COVID-19 continues to be through vaccination, he said. While mandatory coverage and testing requirements no longer apply, Tcholakov encouraged people to “adjust and reduce their personal level of risk.” Globally, reported cases have risen nearly 3% in the past two weeks, according to the World Health Organization.