June 18 COVID-19 Update

Posted on

Current COVID-19 Situation in Ross River

All community members are advised that as of 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2021 there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ross River, and that the following measures remain in place out of an abundance of precaution:

  • All Ross River Dena Council facilities will be closed on Monday;
  • Ross River Dena Council staff will continue to work from home until further notice; and
  • A small team has been authorized by Council to access to the Administration Building over the weekend to complete essential tasks only – if you have not been contacted, please continue to work from home.

These actions are being taken in response to the current outbreak in Whitehorse and the confirmation of cases in multiple rural communities. Council continues to work with territorial health authorities and neighbouring communities to monitor the situation and takes this matter very seriously.

Council Discussions Today

A brief virtual Council meeting was held on Friday afternoon to further discussions about community safety measures, back-to-work options for Ross River Dena Council staff and the gradual re-opening of Ross River Dena Council facilities to the public. Actions taken today include:

  • Council is anticipating that if conditions improve by early next week this could allow for essential personnel to return to work, however public access to Ross River Dena Council facilities would be available by appointment only. Council will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and will provide information about a possible timetable for re-opening early next week;
  • Council is considering options to help protect youth under the age of 12 who may be vulnerable to catching COVD-19 when there is an outbreak. Parents are encouraged to limit contact between young children during periods of elevated COVID-19 risk;
  • Council wishes to remind parents and youth about the upcoming Youth Vaccination Clinic, which will be held at the Ross River School from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23. An information session is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Ross River School, however this event may be adjusted or canceled if the COVID-19 situation has not improved by Monday. Please watch for more information on Monday evening.

On Monday evening Council will reconvene for a virtual meeting to assess the situation and review the actions necessary to help keep Ross River safe next week. Please watch for updates on Monday evening by visiting the Announcements section of our website, found here.

Need To Reach RRDC Staff?

If you need to reach a member of our team immediately, please call our main switchboard at (867) 969-2277 ext. 200 and leave a message. A representative of RRDC will return your call as soon as possible. You can also try sending an email. A staff directory can be found here.

For Those Who Visited Whitehorse and/or Other Communities Over the Past Week

Community members who visited Whitehorse and/or other communities over the past week are encouraged to take the following steps this week:

  • If you are not feeling well, self-isolate immediately and contact the Ross River Health Centre at 969-4444 to arrange for a COVID test;
  • Avoid gatherings, crowds, visiting with others, etc;
  • Avoid travelling to other communities until the current COVID-19 situation has improved – Council recommends that you only travel for essential reasons;
  • Be mindful that COVID-19 can be passed from person to person via coughing, sneezing and other ways, which means it is extremely important to wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose at all times;
  • If you need to purchase groceries, but are concerned about the recent COVID-19 exposure notices, you can call the Ross River COVID-19 Support Line at (867) 747-0099 and we can arrange for groceries to be delivered;
  • Stay informed of current COVID-19 exposure notices by visiting www.yukon.ca;
  • Contact the RRDC COVID-19 Support Line at (867) 747-0099 if you have any COVID-19 questions, need assistance or would like more information about the current situation in Ross River.

Upcoming Vaccination Opportunities in Ross River

Adults (Ages 18+)

Community members interested in learning more about upcoming vaccination opportunities in Ross River are encouraged to contact the Health Centre at 969-4444. Clinics for adults (18 and older) are organized based on demand, and can be arranged quickly if enough community members express interest.

Youth (Ages 12-17)

Parents and youth (Ages 12-17) who are interested in learning more about the upcoming Youth Vaccination Clinic scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 at Ross River School from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. are invited to participate in an information session on Tuesday, June 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium. This will be an opportunity for parents and youth to ask questions about the Pfizer vaccine, and aims to help everyone make an informed – and very important – decision at a very important time.

To book an appointment for the upcoming Youth Vaccination Clinic in Ross River, please visit the online booking system here. You can also contact the Health Centre at 969-4444 if you need assistance.

Other COVID-19 Considerations

Ross River Dena Council expects that outbreaks may occur in Whitehorse and rural communities in the weeks and months ahead. When an outbreak occurs, Council asks that everyone remain calm, continue to follow the Safe 6 +1 and, where possible, work together to help protect vulnerable community members.

Some additional items to consider as part of the new normal:

  • Shoppers may be required to wait outside of the Dena General Store when there is an elevated level of risk associated with COVID-19;
  • Anyone who has been in close proximity to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 should call the Health Centre at 969-4444 and make plans to self-isolate for 14 days;
  • If you live with others and are not able to self-isolate, please inform the Health Centre or Ross River Dena Council and efforts will be made to arrange for temporary self-isolation options;
  • For the latest COVID-19 Self-Isolation Guidelines: https://yukon.ca/en/self-isolation-covid-19;
  • Anyone seeking mental health and wellness support are encouraged to call the LifeWorks Crisis Support Line at 1-844-751-2133 (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) or call (867) 332-5468 to reach the Mental Health, Counselling and Crisis Support Line for Ross River, Pelly Crossing, Carmacks and Faro citizens.

Volunteers Needed

Ross River Dena Council has established the RRDC COVID-19 Action Plan Working Group to advise Council and help develop and implement COVID-19 related community outreach and support activities.

If you would like more information about this Working Group or would be interested in volunteering at the community level, please send an email to the Working Group Co-Chairs Verna Nukon at vernanukon@gmail.com and/or Dylan Loblaw at dylanloblaw@gmail.com. You can also reach us by calling the Ross River COVID-19 Support Line at 747-0099 at any time.

Thank you,

Ross River Dena Council