Coronavirus

Respiratory viruses and COVID-19 in Nunavik

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Nunavik has experienced several waves of the virus. Nunavik Public Health has been actively assessing the epidemiological situation to protect the population. Although the health emergency in Quebec ended in June 2022, this does not mean that the virus has disappeared. It is crucial to remain vigilant and maintain practices that limit transmission of the virus, not only to prevent COVID-19, but also to reduce the risk of spreading other respiratory viruses.

Nunavik Respiratory Infections Dashboard

The Nunavik Respiratory Infections Dashboard provides up-to-date data on COVID-19, influenza and RSV, and respiratory infections in the region.

The map of Nunavik visualizes the recent distribution of respiratory viruses, using a risk scale where green represents a low risk, yellow a medium risk and orange a high risk of viral circulation in the community. The size of the bubbles corresponds to the number of cases identified. The graph on the right shows the regional or community trend selected in the top bar over the last twelve months.

Note :  Ces données, bien que représentatives de la situation actuelle, sont en constante évolution. Il est essentiel de noter que les cas de COVID-19 et d'infections respiratoires sont susceptibles d’être sous-estimés principalement en raison de modifications dans les stratégies de dépistage.

Population messages based on the level of respiratory virus circulation

Green/ Low risk

Low or no respiratory virus circulation

There are few, or no respiratory viruses circulating in your community.

How can we protect ourselves from respiratory viruses?

Simple preventive measures can protect us and the most vulnerable members of society from respiratory viruses.

  • Get vaccinated;
  • Stay home when you're sick;
  • Spend time outdoors or ventilate your home;
  • Practice respiratory etiquette:
    • Wash your hands often;
    • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow;
    • Wear a mask when you have symptoms of respiratory infection;
    • Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
  • Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. CLSCs in all communities offer vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza.

Call your CLSC to book an appointment.

Yellow/ moderate risk

Moderate respiratory virus circulation

Some infectious respiratory diseases are currently circulating in your community.

Residents and health-care workers need to be extra vigilant against respiratory viruses, and reinforce preventive measures.

  • If you are ill or have symptoms, it is recommended that you wear a mask or face covering in public;
  • If you have a fever, stay at home;
  • It's also advisable to reduce your contact with other people, especially the most vulnerable, such as the over-60s, the immunosuppressed, pregnant women, infants and people with chronic illnesses.
  • Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. CLSCs in all communities offer vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza.

Call your CLSC to book an appointment.

Orange/ high risk

High respiratory virus transmission in the community

There is high transmission of respiratory viruses in your community.

Extreme caution is recommended, especially for vulnerable people (over 60s, pregnant women, immunosuppressed people, people with chronic illnesses, infants) and their families.

In view of the high circulation of several respiratory infectious diseases, maintain your good practices. It is strongly recommended to:

  • Wear a mask during gatherings. Vulnerable people (people over 60, pregnant women, the immunosuppressed, people with chronic illnesses and infants) should wear a mask at gatherings to protect themselves;
  • Avoid gathering indoors whenever possible, and ventilate your home thoroughly if there is a gathering;
  • Pay close attention to your state of health and the appearance of symptoms. You can do a self-test if you have symptoms of infectious respiratory disease. Contact your CLSC if you are a vulnerable person, as you may benefit from treatment for influenza or COVID-19;
  • Keep as much distance as possible from people who don't live under the same roof as you;
  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds;
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow;
  • Apply recognized hygiene measures, such as cleaning your environment and the sanitary devices you use.
  • Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. CLSCs in all communities offer vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza.

Call your CLSC to book an appointment.