October 28 COVID-19 Update

Source: Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Government of Yukon

Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has issued the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of today, October 28, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 22. Seventeen people have recovered and there are currently five active cases, and all individuals are recovering. Contact tracing remains underway. All Watson Lake residents who are experiencing symptoms and were present at the advised locations, are urged to arrange for testing at the Watson Lake Community Hospital immediately.

Public exposure notice:

  • Watson Lake Foods – Super A – October 8 and October 16
  • Home Hardware – October 7 and October 10
  • Big Horn Motel – October 7 through 9 and October 13 through 20

COVID-19 testing centre

From Tuesday, October 19, to Monday, October 26, we tested 120 people at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC) in Whitehorse. To date, we have tested 3,934 people.

Reporting public concerns

Be kind and understanding. People in transit through the territory are now driving in winter conditions. Report concerns to covid19info@gov.yk.ca or phone 1-877-374-0425, and avoid direct actions when suspecting someone is not following measures.

Halloween

Yukoners are reminded to take the appropriate measures this Halloween. Refrain from participating in any large gatherings over 10 people. Refer to COVID-19 Halloween guidelines to ensure you are taking precautions while trick-or-treating or handing out candy.

Traffic stoplight guidelines

If you’re feeling ill, consult the traffic light guidelines, which advise how to monitor your symptoms and when it is appropriate to seek out testing and when you can resume regular activities. 

New Civil Emergency Measures Act charge

One charge was laid on October 25 for a Yukon resident who travelled outside of Yukon, BC, the NWT and Nunavut within the previous 14 days and did not following self-isolation requirements.

Canada and US border

Canada and the US have continued to extend the border closures to non-essential travel until November 21. Yukoners can find more information about what is considered essential travel here.

Enforcement statistics

The Government of Yukon has received 950 complaints as of October 26:

  • Failure to self-isolate: 525
  • Gatherings over 10 inside or 50 outside: 26
  • Failure to transit through Yukon in 24 hours or stay on the designated route: 365
  • Businesses failing to comply with orders: 10
  • Failure to abide by a declaration form or not permitted entry into Yukon: 14
  • Other: 1

There have been a total of 15 people charged, and 20 charges laid under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA).

A total of 56,837 travellers have come into Yukon:

  • Resident travellers: 13,687
  • BC residents: 12,784
  • NWT residents: 402
  • Other approved jurisdictions: 178
  • Non-residents staying: 9,768
  • Non-residents transiting: 19,930
  • Other: 88
  • Decals distributed indicating out-of-territory vehicles allowed in Yukon: 330