June 22, 2021: new COVID-19 cases confirmed; community transmission among unvaccinated

Please note the number of active cases has been corrected to 92.

Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is announcing eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are now 92 active cases in the territory with recoveries expected. Since June 4, 2021, screening results received so far indicate all cases are positive for the Gamma (P.1) variant.  

Yukon’s total case count: 220

For the new cases since 12 p.m. on June 21:

  • Eight confirmed cases.
  • Seven cases are in Whitehorse and 1 in rural communities.
  • Investigation and contact tracing is under way.

COVID-19 is now widespread throughout Yukon, primarily affecting unvaccinated people and is now present in most Yukon communities.

People with symptoms

As COVID-19 is now widely circulating throughout Yukon, testing for COVID-19 infection is more important than ever. People who are vaccinated may also rarely acquire COVID-19 and should seek testing if symptoms develop.

Testing turnaround times remain very quick, 24 hours in the previous week, and negative results can now be accessed online for faster access to results.

Anyone experiencing symptoms in Whitehorse should call the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre at 867-393-3083 or book on-line to arrange for testing at https://book-covid-19-test.service.yukon.ca/en/.  Drive-up testing is available in Whitehorse at the CTAC 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily at 49A Waterfront Place.

People in communities should contact their rural community health centre.

Our goal is to find people with COVID-19 infection so that we can limit further spread and protect the most vulnerable. We expect many further cases over the coming weeks, especially amongst unvaccinated people. COVID-19 will go wherever it finds an opportunity. We all need to take responsibility for protecting ourselves, our families and our communities.

Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley

Backgrounder 

Safe 6 plus 1

As a reminder, no restrictions have changed. Everyone in the Yukon should continue to follow the Safe 6 plus 1 (plus 1 means wear a mask) . See more information at: practisesafe6.ca.

COVID-19 symptoms reminder

Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should self-isolate and arrange to be tested immediately.

-fever
-chills
-cough
-difficulty breathing
-shortness of breath
-runny nose
-sore throat
-loss of sense of taste or smell
-headache
-fatigue
-loss of appetite
-nausea and vomiting
-diarrhea
-muscle aches

Media contact 

Pat Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-335-1531
patricia.living@yukon.ca

News release #: 
21-197