The Government of Yukon has released Forging Ahead, a framework outlining the Yukon’s ongoing response to the pandemic as it begins its transition from pandemic to endemic. The approach focuses on living with COVID-19 while managing and containing future cases, clusters and outbreaks within the territory. The purpose of this plan is to provide guidance as the Yukon moves forward and as Yukoners begin to adapt to living with the risk of COVID-19.
This plan relies on six pillars that will help manage, contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the territory without widespread public health measures. Each pillar has been carefully assessed and selected to provide details on how the Yukon will transition out of the State of Emergency with a mostly vaccinated population and how citizens can begin living sustainably with the virus as part of their everyday lives.
The new approach highlights two goals as the Yukon enters this phase, with the first being to reduce the severe illness amongst vulnerable populations and the second to enhance Yukoners' overall wellbeing. This strategy will be a living document that may undergo changes in order to adapt to the evolving situations.
The needs and safety of all Yukoners remains paramount as we forge ahead and adapt to living with COVID-19. We have led the country in our response to the pandemic and Yukoners have worked hard to get us to where we are today. We are following science and I am confident these measures in Forging Ahead will help move us forward in a safe recovery. We will continue to protect and respond to the needs of Yukoners.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy Anne McPhee
For many months Yukoners have worked tirelessly and now we are ready to take the next step in our transition from pandemic to endemic. Our goal continues to be to benefit the health and wellbeing of all people in the Yukon while preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Although this is an exciting time for many, it will not be without challenges. It is through Yukoners’ strength and cohesion that we will travel safely along this path.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott
Forging Ahead: The Yukon’s Continuing Response to COVID-19 includes details about how the Yukon will begin to move forward without widespread public health measures.
Rising vaccination rates in Canada and low rates of COVID-19 activity across the country have decreased the overall risk of importation cases in the Yukon.
Over 80 per cent of eligible Yukoners over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Erin Scott
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7871
erin.scott@yukon.ca