In order to expand public testing accessibility, the Government of Yukon will be distributing COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits at a pop-up site this Saturday in Whitehorse.

On February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Yukoners in Whitehorse can pick up at-home rapid test kits from the Centennial Motors test distribution site located across from the Erik Nielsen International Airport. Each rapid test kit contains five at-home rapid tests and are available to all Yukon households, regardless of whether a person is symptomatic or not.

The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak at the Thomson Centre long-term care home in Whitehorse following the identification of several linked COVID-19 cases.

The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols. Additional information has been shared with staff, residents and families.

Additionally, outbreak measures have been extended in one house at Whistle Bend Place in Whitehorse.

The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is reporting that two additional Yukoners have died due to COVID-19. These are in addition to the two deaths reported last week during the COVID-19 update. This brings the total to 20 deaths due to COVID-19 since the first death was reported in October 2020.

Based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is easing public health measures.

Effective February 5, 2022, limits on indoor recreational team sports for youth 18 years of age and under will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.

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

Starting Monday, February 7, Yukoners aged 12 to 17, who are fully vaccinated, will be eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they are six months past their second dose.

Rural clinics will start on Monday, February 7, in Carcross. The communities of Haines Junction, Old Crow, Mayo, Dawson City and Watson Lake will also have clinics within the next week. More clinic dates and communities are being scheduled and will be added to Yukon.ca in the coming days.

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Yukon’s acting-Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott have issued the following statement:

“We offer our continued gratitude and appreciation to Yukon healthcare professionals and essential frontline workers. Working under incredibly demanding circumstances for the past two years, these everyday heroes have ensured we all continue to have reliable access to services and supplies, and support for our loved ones.

The Yukon will be marking the launch of the celebrations of 70 years on the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Flag raising

The Yukon will be joining other Canadian jurisdictions in raising the Jubilee flag at their respective Legislatures. The flag will be raised at the Main Administration Building on Second Avenue on Sunday, February 6 at sunrise and will remain up for the month of February.

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I want to congratulate several iconic Yukon businesses on significant anniversaries.

“Today, Total North Communications is celebrating 50 years of providing the satellite, radio and communications services that Yukoners rely on to stay connected. From their early roots that brought the Yukon some of its first radio services to the cutting edge technology they provide today, Total North has been a critical part of developing the Yukon.

Government of Yukon officials are exploring a possible Mineral Exploration Fund to support junior mining companies. The Government of Yukon is preparing to launch a feasibility study to determine how a funding model could be structured to address the needs of the industry within a northern mining context. The Yukon government has engaged with its northern partners on the study scope of work and is looking forward to connecting with our pan-territorial counterparts during the course of the study and how the outcomes can benefit the northern territories.  

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“I join all Yukoners today in congratulating Dahria Beatty as she prepares to compete in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing representing Team Canada.