November 17 COVID-19 Update

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Current COVID-19 Situation in Ross River

Ross River Dena Council advises that as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 there are currently no active cases of COVID-19 in Ross River, however the risk of transmission in the community remains high. 

In October, Council acknowledged that our return to zero active cases was excellent news, however it was also acknowledged that case counts were on the rise and that the threat COVID-19 posed to our community remained very real.

Currently the territorial case count is at 157, with dozens of new cases and exposure notices announced almost every day. This has been a consistent trend over the past two weeks, and an unfriendly reminder that COVID-19 is still spreading in the Yukon, and is not going away any time soon.

The majority of new cases are in Whitehorse, however there are clusters of cases in our neighbouring communities, including Faro (1), Watson Lake (9) and Carmacks (9). For this reason, Council asks that travel to and from these communities be avoided at this time to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in rural Yukon.

Council also advises that the COVID-19 Risk Level for Ross River will remain at Level 4 (High Risk) for the foreseeable future, but could increase to Level 5 (Extreme Risk) if one or more community members tests positive for COVID-19. Reaching Level 5 would mean enhanced safety measures would be restored at the community level, similar to the safety measures that were in place during the outbreak this summer.

To stay informed and/or to learn more about the current case count, vaccination rate and COVID-19 Risk Level for Ross River, please visit our COVID-19 Dashboard for more information.

State of Emergency Now In Effect Across Yukon

Last Monday, November 8, the Government of Yukon announced that the territory would be re-instating a State of Emergency on Saturday, November 13. As a result, numerousCOVID-19 measures that were in place during the previous State of Emergency were restored on the weekend, along with a number of new measures designed to help stop the spread in public places. 

Measures that will be in effect across the territory until at least December 3 include:

  • Mask use is required by all persons 5 years of age or older in all public places;
  • Mandatory masking is required in all indoor public settings and in outdoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained;
  • Mask use is required in vehicles when there are occupants from more than one household;
  • Masks are required at all times inside schools, including when students are in classrooms and seated at their desks as well as all indoor school settings outside the classroom, such as common areas and hallways;
  • Limits on personal gatherings to 10 people from a maximum of two households if all eligible people are vaccinated; household members only if any eligible people are unvaccinated;
  • Limits on organized gatherings, including conferences and weddings: indoor gatherings limited to 25 individuals with proof of vaccination required; outdoor gatherings limited to 50 individuals;
  • Limits on seated ticketed events, including arts and sporting events: maximum 50 per cent of venue capacity or 25 individuals, whichever is lower, with proof of vaccination required; seating limited to individual households with physical distancing between households;
  • Limits on faith-based and cultural gatherings: maximum 50 per cent of venue capacity or 25 individuals, whichever is lower, with proof of vaccination required; seating limited to individual households with physical distancing between households;
  • Restrictions on restaurants, bars and nightclubs: proof of vaccination required for table service with a limit of six individuals per table; no counter service, no moving between tables and no dancing;
  • Restrictions on gyms, fitness and yoga studios and classes: maximum 50 per cent of venue capacity or 25 individuals, whichever is lower, with proof of vaccination required;
  • Restrictions on personal services: proof of vaccination required.
  • Limits on other indoor public spaces: maximum 50 per cent of venue capacity or 25 individuals, whichever is lower.
  • Individual workplaces may be required to temporarily close under direction of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Travel Restrictions and Recommendations

The following travel advisory remains in effect for Ross River:

  • VISITORS – Please refrain from visiting Ross River at this time;  
  • ROSS RIVER CITIZENS: ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY – Ross River citizens are asked to respect all travel advisories currently in effect and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our neighbouring communities of Watson Lake, Faro and Carmacks. Please refrain from travelling to these communities unless it is absolutely necessary (i.e. for medical reasons) 

Additionally, the Government of Yukon has issued the following statement regarding travel in the Yukon:

  • The Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending that travel between communities, and between communities and Whitehorse, be avoided until further notice. This notice applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. 

Help Keep Ross River Safe: Stay Diligent!

Council wishes to thank all community members for your commitment to help keep Ross River safe this fall and for continuing to follow the safety measures that have remained in place at the Dena General Store and across the community since the original State of Emergency was lifted by the Government of Yukon in August. 

Recognizing that COVID-19 is once again in close proximity to our community and knowing that there are currently over 100 cases in Whitehorse – with numerous cases that have spread from unvaccinated youth to vaccinated parents and vice versa – Council asks that community members continue to take extra precautions to help protect our elders, our families and the most vulnerable members of the community.

With this in mind, whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, please remain diligent and take extra precautions while in Ross River, including: 

  • Wear a mask
  • Wash your hands
  • Stay at least six feet apart 
  • Do not participate in gatherings
  • Do not visit with others
  • Self-isolate after travel if unvaccinated
  • Stay home if you are sick

Please note, Council continues to advise that the vaccine is your best bet to help protect yourself and members of your family this winter. 

There have only been a handful of cases in Ross River since the start of September, however our current vaccination rate still the lowest in the territory (59% fully vaccinated, 64% partially vaccinated), which means the risk to our elders, our families and our most vulnerable community members remains high. 

While COVID-19 is spreading to both vaccinated and unvaccinated Yukoners, unvaccinated Yukoners have consistently experienced far more severe outcomes.

If You Feel Sick, Stay Home and Stay Safe!

A reminder that if you have any symptoms, even mild symptoms, the decision to go to work, school, the store or another person’s house could put the health of our elders, our families, your friends, neighbours, co-workers, fellow students, teachers and others at risk. 

If you or someone you know has symptoms, please contact the Health Centre at (867) 747-0099 to discuss the situation and arrange for a COVID-19 test.

Symptoms can include:

  • Fever/chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Loss of sense of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches

Even if you or someone you know has just a minor cough, sore throat or sniffles, it is important to stay home. This may or may not be COVID-19, but Council asks that everyone please take this matter seriously – even if you are fully vaccinated. 

Vaccination Clinics on Thursday

Ross River Clinic

A reminder that there will be vaccination clinic tomorrow (Thursday, November 18) at the Ross River Health Centre from 10:00 a.m. – noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please contact the Health Centre at (867) 969-4444. Walk-ins are also accepted. 

Faro Clinic

There will also be a vaccination clinic in Faro tomorrow (Thursday, November 18) at the Faro Health Clinic. The clinic will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. 

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please contact the Health Centre at (867) 994-4444. Walk-ins are also accepted. 

New!!! Mouth-Rinse and Gargle Test Available in Ross River

Last month the Government of Yukon confirmed that the Ross River Health Centre is now offering a mouth-rinse and gargle test for anyone five years of age and older who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. 

This test is a far less-invasive approach to virus detection, and is an excellent solution for community members who have concerns about the standard test, which can sometimes be uncomfortable.

If you wish to go for a mouth-rinse and gargle test, please do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, brush your teeth or chew gum for at least one hour before you do the mouth-rinse and gargle test.

If you have any questions, or would like more information please contact the Health Centre at (867) 969-4444. The following resources are also available:

  • To book a COVID-19 test in Ross River, please call the Health Centre at (867) 969-4444;
  • To book a COVID-19 test in Whitehorse, visit the online booking tool here;
  • The mouth rinse and gargle instructions are available here;
  • To watch a video for kids on how to use the mouth-rinse and gargle test go here; and
  • To watch a video for adults on how to use the mouth-rinse and gargle test, go here.

Current COVID-19 Risk Level: 4 (High Risk)  

As of October 18, 2021 there have been no active cases of COVID-19 in Ross River. Approximately 54% of our population is fully vaccinated. There are currently a significant number of exposure notices and a case count above 20 in Yukon (currently 157). As a result, the current COVID-19 Risk Level for Ross River will remain at Level 4 (High Risk) for the foreseeable future and the following COVID-19 safety measures will remain in effect: 

  • The Dena General Store will allow up to six customers in the store at one time. Pick-up and delivery services are always an option – to place an order please call (867) 969-2280 and/or send an email to dena.general@northwestel.net and someone will respond as soon as possible; 
  • Banking services will be available at the Dena General Store on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – services are provided at the door. 
  • Tu-Lidlini Petroleum advises that the gas station will continue to have reduced hours from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. until further notice and that customers are strongly encouraged to use the Cardlock system to pay for fuel; 
  • The following travel advisory is now in effect:  
    • VISITORS – Please refrain from visiting Ross River at this time;  
    • ROSS RIVER CITIZENS: ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY – Ross River citizens are asked to respect all travel advisories currently in effect and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our neighbouring communities of Watson Lake, Faro and Carmacks. Please refrain from travelling to these communities unless it is absolutely necessary (i.e. for medical reasons) 
  • Ross River Dena Council offices are now in the second phase of a three-phase Re-Opening Plan, which allows access to up to six staff members into RRDC buildings at one time; 
  • At Level 4 (High Risk) Ross River Dena Council offices remain closed to the public, however at Level 3 (Medium Risk) access can resume by appointment only; 
  • Ross River Dena Council will continue to engage with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Department of Health and Social Services and the COVID Response Unit to help strengthen community-level support. 

What Do the Risk Levels Mean for Me?

Level 5 (Extreme Risk) indicates that there is at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ross River. As a result, a number of community-level safety measures will be deployed to help raise awareness, prevent the spread and support those community members who are in self isolation. Level 5 is also an indication of increased safety measures at the Dena General Store, Tu-Lidlini Petroleum and all RRDC Offices.

While at Level 4 (High Risk), the Dena General Store will allow up to six customers in the store at one time. Banking and post office services will still be available at the front door to help keep things efficient. Also at Level 4, the store will be operating during regular business hours from Monday-Saturday, unlike at Level 5.

For those who may be uncomfortable entering the store, delivery and pick-up options will still be available as a value-added service. Simply call (867) 969-2280 or email dena.general@northwestel.net to place your order. 

Level 3 (Medium Risk) could soon be on the horizon. Once the risk level reaches Level 3, members of the public will be permitted to enter RRDC Offices by appointment only. Level 3 would also mean it is no longer necessary to operate the COVID-19 Safety Stop, which was in place to provide additional community outreach and collect important visitor information during periods of high and/or extreme risk.

At Level 2 (Low Risk), the store will be fully opened, and RRDC buildings will once again be open to the public. Reaching Level 1 (New Normal) means there are no longer any active cases in the Yukon and the risk to the community is very, very low.

To learn more about the COVID-19 Risk Levels, please visit our COVID-19 Dashboard page.

Other COVID-19 Considerations

Here are some additional considerations and helpful COVID-19 resources:

  • The Government of Yukon has created a new “Living with COVID-19” page that contains important messages to help guide Yukoners on the way forward. To check out this helpful resource, click here.
  • 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.

Job Opportunities / Volunteering Opportunities

Ross River Dena Council has established the RRDC COVID-19 Action Plan Working Group to advise Council and help coordinate COVID-19 community outreach and support efforts during an unprecedented public health emergency. The Working Group is open to anyone who wishes to lend a helping hand.

Now Hiring:

Ross River Dena Council is now seeking motivated community members who thrive under pressure and enjoy helping others to join our team and help lead the fight against COVID-19. The following positions are anticipatory and include temporary, part-time and full-time opportunities dedicated to leading a range of COVID-19 Prevention and COVID-19 Support Services activities.

  • COVID-19 Community Outreach Coordinator
  • COVID-19 Safety Officers (COVID-19 Safety Stop)
  • Self-Isolation Support (Delivery Drivers)
  • Website Designer / Communications Officer
  • Ross River COVID-19 Support Line Worker

If you are interested in one or more of these positions, please contact RRDC COVID-19 Action Plan Working Group Co-Chairs Verna Nukon (email to: verna.nukon@gmail.com) and/or Dylan Loblaw (email to: dylanloblaw@gmail.com) today!

Thank you,

Ross River Dena Council