As the Yukon transitions to handling COVID-19 like other respiratory illnesses, the Government of Yukon is working closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to take cautious steps in shifting from the acute stage of the pandemic response to part of our ongoing work to support the public health of Yukoners.
Starting today, the COVID-19 data dashboard will be updated less frequently. Moving forward most data will be updated weekly and vaccine related data will be updated monthly.
Following the recommendation of the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is lifting its remaining vaccine requirements for workers, volunteers and contractors working in high-risk settings.
Last Thursday, the Government of Yukon announced that all Yukoners over the age of 18 are now eligible for a second booster shot. Yukoners can book an appointment online at Yukon.ca/appointments or by contacting your local health centre.
To be eligible for a second booster, six months must have passed since your first booster. For Yukoners who have recently had COVID-19, a second booster is not recommended until at least three months have passed since COVID-19 symptoms started or testing positive for the virus.
As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19, the Government of Yukon is taking steps to ensure that the health and safety of Yukoners continues to be protected and that our COVID-19 response aligns with the current situation in the territory. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 and I encourage all Yukoners to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and get a second booster dose when they are eligible. Please respect everyone who chooses to wear a mask for their protection and be kind.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
I encourage all Yukoners, especially those working in high-risk settings, to stay up to date on vaccines and booster doses. The recent Omicron variants have shown milder disease but increased transmissibility, even in vaccinated people. All Yukoners ages 18 and up can now get their second booster dose to increase their protection for the coming fall months when there will be increased respiratory illness.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sudit Ranade
Some settings may require you to wear a mask such as in long-term care homes, health facilities, shelters, group homes, the correctional centre and hospitals.
Yukoners are reminded that contacts of positive cases should self-monitor for symptoms and do not need to self-isolate.
Lab-based PCR testing will continue to be available for Yukoners who are at risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.
At-home rapid tests are available across the territory at participating locations.
Second boosters are now available for all Yukoners ages 18 and up. Book a vaccine appointment.
Jacob Wilson
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
jacob.wilson@yukon.ca
Samantha Henney
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8321
samantha.henney@yukon.ca