COVID-19 rapid tests going to Yukon schools, early learning programs and communities

Press Release

25/01/2022

With the support of its partners, the Government of Yukon is expanding the availability of take-home, self-administered rapid COVID-19 tests to schools, licensed early learning and child care (ELCC) programs, and communities throughout the Yukon.

Schools and ELCC programs in rural Yukon will receive 2,800 rapid tests as part of this initial distribution. Distribution has begun and will be expanded to include Whitehorse schools and ELCC programs in the days ahead. The Department of Education and ELCC operators will provide parents with information on how and when to pick up the tests.

The Government of Yukon is also partnering with municipalities, Yukon First Nations and community partners to distribute the initial 10,875 rapid tests to communities across the territory. This provides an additional option for symptomatic Yukoners living in communities to get tested. Lab-based PCR testing is still available at community health centres. As community pick-up details are confirmed, they will be added to Yukon.ca.

Yukoners in the communities will receive one test kit per person as part of this initial distribution. This will be increased following the next round of community distribution.

Rapid antigen tests are another tool that Yukoners can use to ensure they remain safe from COVID-19. It is important that rapid test are available to as many Yukoners with COVID-19 symptoms as possible. These tests will provide more options to community members and minimize the testing burden on community health care providers. As additional rapid tests become available, the Yukon government will continue to work with community partners to distribute rapid tests across the territory.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

We know how important in-person learning is for the health and wellbeing of children. These tests will help schools and early learning centres continue to operate safely, and offer parents, staff and students additional peace of mind.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

By working with our community partners, the Government of Yukon is deploying rapid COVID-19 tests to communities across the territory. We appreciate the support of municipal and Yukon First Nations partners on the roll out of these tests and we will continue to work closely together as more tests become available.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

The roll out of rapid testing to schools, ELCC programs and communities is an important step in our pandemic response. Testing is one more tool to help keep us safe, and builds on vaccination, Safe 6 plus 1, school operational plans and public health measures.

acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott

Quick facts

Forging Ahead: The Yukon’s Continuing Response to COVID-19 provides the framework for how the territory will continue to manage the impacts of COVID-19.
The Government of Yukon has been using rapid molecular tests and rapid antigen tests in specific situations throughout the pandemic to support the overall public health response across the territory.
Government of Yukon staff began distributing rapid tests to community partners on January 21, 2022. Each package includes instructions for safe storage and handling.
Tests will be available for pick up at schools during normal school hours. Tests cannot be sent home with students as they must not freeze.
There is no need to report rapid test results to YCDC. Parents are asked to let their child’s school or ELCC program know if they will be away due to illness.
Find community distribution sites.
People can contact their rural community health centre to get a lab-based PCR test.
Whitehorse residents can continue to pick up one test kit per symptomatic person in their household at the Takhini Arena drive-thru in Whitehorse, Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact

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

Carleen Kerr
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-3673
carleen.kerr@yukon.ca

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