Any business or service provider not currently mandated to close under the Civil Emergency Measures Act may operate on the condition that:
- appropriate safety precautions are in place; and
- a COVID-19 operational plan is set up.
There are no prohibited services in Yukon at the moment. You can find out about closures, cancellations and changes to facility access and services.
For many businesses and service providers, the public health risk can be adequately minimized so long as:
- 2-metre (6-feet) physical distancing is maintained;
- hand hygiene practices are followed for both staff and the public;
- employees stay home when sick;
- everyone follows the requirements for self-isolation; and
- shared areas and surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Developing an operational plan
Employers must develop a COVID-19 operational plan and mitigate the risks of spreading COVID-19 in the workplace to ensure they comply with the:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act;
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulations; and
- Orders made by the Minister for Community Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Download the COVID-19 operational plan template for businesses and services.
These plans do not need to be submitted for review with the exception of:
- restaurants;
- personal service establishments;
- summer camps
- bars; and
- outfitters.
In the event that a Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB) Occupational Health and Safety officer or an Environment Health officer performs a site visit, employers may be asked to produce a copy of their COVID-19 operational plan. Employers may voluntarily submit their COVID-19 operational plans to the YWCHSB for review, email worksafe@gov.yk.ca. Due to the high volume of COVID-19 related inquiries, evaluation of plans could take up to 7 business days.
Restaurants
From May 29, 2020, restaurants and cafés may reopen and provide seated service as long as they have sufficient physical distancing measures in place.
Read the Reopening food premises guidelines.
View a sample operational plan for restaurants.
Personal service establishments
From May 27, 2020, personal service establishment, such as hair salons and barbers, may reopen provided they're able to maintain a 2-metre (6-feet) distance between clients. Some employees may not be able to maintain this separation during service and may require additional measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE).
Read the Personal service establishment guidelines.
View a sample operational plan for personal service establishments.
Bars
As of June 19, 2020, bars may reopen at 50% capacity as long as they have sufficient physical distancing measures in place.
Read the Bar, pub, lounge and nightclub reopening guidelines.
View a sample operational plan for bars.
Other guidelines to support businesses:
- Cleaning and disinfecting in the work place
- Physical distancing guidelines for Yukon businesses
- Retail businesses
- Retail food and grocery stores
- Farmers’ markets and sales of locally grown or produced food
- Food vending vehicles
- Read other guidelines
Posters and signs
Download posters and signs to put up in your business or community.
Events and activities
Read Organizing a safe event or activity during COVID-19.
Additional information
For further information on cleaning and disinfecting, phone Environmental Health Services 867-667-8391 or toll free at 1-800-661-0408, extension 8391, or email environmental.health@gov.yk.ca.
Read Support for Yukon businesses
Read Business support for cancelled events
Read Yukon Business Relief Program