Statement from Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kancir on assessing your COVID-19 risk during Easter

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kancir has issued the following statement:

“With the long weekend approaching and increased COVID-19 risk across the Yukon, it’s as important as ever to consider your COVID-19 risk before attending a dinner party, cultural or faith-based gathering or other Easter or spring event.

“Use your COVID-19 sense to assess your risk before gatherings so that you can help protect yourself and others.

“Thinking about five key factors can help you assess your risk. These factors include vaccination status, people, space, time and place. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including a booster dose, provides the greatest protection from severe illness. Gathering outside and maintaining physical distancing reduces your risk of COVID-19 infection. Interacting with people indoors and without masking poses a greater risk of infection.

“If you are feeling sick, stay home even if you have a negative COVID-19 test. You should continue to isolate until your symptoms resolve, even if they are mild.

“Remember to respect other people’s choices on masking, distancing, or gathering as we all have different risk tolerance levels. Some people may live with those at a higher-risk of COVID-19 and they are making choices that not only protect themselves, but better protect their loved ones.”