Public health measures eased for adult indoor team sports, recreational group activities and personal indoor gatherings

Note: This news release has been updated to reflect changes to service in bars and restaurants.

The Government of Yukon is moving forward on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to ease public health measures.

Effective February 11, 2022:

  • Indoor recreational team sports for people 19 years of age and older will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less;
  • Indoor arts and recreational activities for all ages will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less;
  • Indoor cultural gatherings will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less, with no restriction on the number of households;
  • Indoor weddings and funerals will be allowed provided they are limited to 25 people, or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less, with no restriction on the number of households;
  • Indoor personal gatherings continue to be limited to 10 people but will no longer be limited to two households;
  • Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to 25 people but will no longer limited to three households; and
  • Bars and restaurants will be allowed to reintroduce bar and countertop service and a limit of 6 people per table will continue but with no restriction on the number of households at each table.

Proof of vaccination is still required in designated settings for all people older than 12 years and four months of age.

Activities that can operate under the new gathering size limits include but are not limited to:

  • arts and craft classes;
  • performances;
  • concerts;
  • fitness or exercise classes;
  • gymnastics;
  • karate and martial arts;
  • music and singing lessons or practices;
  • rock climbing;
  • swimming lessons and practices;
  • team sports, including hockey, soccer, volleyball and basketball;
  • scouts and girl guides; and
  • dog obedience classes.

A number of temporary public health measures remain in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent further strain on public health systems.

Mandatory masking continues to be in effect in all indoor and outdoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Yukoners are strongly encouraged to continue practising the Safe 6 plus 1 at all times.

Vaccination remains to be the best protection against COVID-19. All eligible Yukoners are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot as soon as possible. Appointments can be booked online at Yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot. Booking an appointment is strongly recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated when possible.

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to actively assess the risk levels in the territory associated with COVID-19 transmission and adjust recommendations as necessary.

We are in a position to continue to loosen public health measures in a slow and measured way. Our top priority remains protecting the health and safety of Yukoners and ensuring our healthcare system is not overwhelmed. I want to thank all of the individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to follow public health measures to keep our territory safe. By practising the Safe 6, masking up and getting vaccinated, we will be able to continue to loosen measures in the coming weeks.

Premier Sandy Silver

I remain mindful of the mental toll the pandemic is taking on all Yukoners and I’m pleased we’re in a position to ease some of the public health measures. Thank you to all Yukoners who have heeded the public health measures and received your booster, I appreciate your diligence.  Please remember that we are in the peak of the wave with very early and uncertain signs of decline. There is still a need to be cautious and heed the measures in place. Getting your booster now will help prevent infection and severe disease in the coming weeks and speed up our emergence from this wave.

acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Catherine Elliott

Backgrounder 

Public health measures still in effect since February 5, 2022:

  • Indoor team sports for those 18 years and under: limited to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.
  • Outdoor weddings and funerals: limited to 50 people with proof of vaccination for those 12 years and four months of age and older.
  • Outdoor organized events and gatherings are limited to 50 people with proof of vaccination for those older than 12 years and four months of age.
  • Casinos and nightclubs: must remain closed until further notice.
  • Restaurants and bars:
    • Proof of vaccination is required for those older than 12 years and four months of age, with a limit of six people from a maximum of two households per table.
    • Tables need to be spaced two metres (six feet) apart;
    • There can be no mingling between tables and dancing is not permitted;
    • There is no seated or dine-in service past 10 p.m. but take-out will be offered to normal closing times; and
    • If people do not have proof of vaccination they may pick up take-out only.
  • Stores, banks and public libraries: limited to 50 per cent venue capacity, proof of vaccination is not required.
  • Faith-based gatherings, personal care services, museums, art galleries and movie theatres: proof of vaccination is required for those over 12 years and four months of age, and attendance is limited to 25 people or 50 per cent venue capacity, whichever is less.
  • Public saunas, hot pools, steam rooms or baths: must remain closed.
Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Samantha Henney
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-336-1508
samantha.henney@yukon.ca

News release #: 
22-043