Government of Yukon lifts COVID-19 public health emergency declaration

Press Release

16/01/2023

The Yukon government has lifted the public health emergency under the Public Health and Safety Act, following a recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In alignment with other provinces and territories, lifting the public health emergency is another step the Yukon is taking to manage COVID-19 in a more sustainable way while continuing to support Yukoners’ wellbeing. As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it can be managed within the existing structures used to manage other communicable diseases.

The decision to lift the public health emergency was made with the continued health and safety of Yukoners in mind. Yukoners are encouraged to continue to take steps to stay well, including staying up-to-date with vaccinations and staying home if they feel sick.

Post COVID-19 condition remains a priority and the Yukon government is committed to tracking emerging evidence and identifying and supporting the needs of Yukoners experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19.

I extend my gratitude to all Yukoners who have shown resiliency and adaptability during these challenging times. While the lifting of the public health emergency is another step to managing COVID-19 like other communicable diseases, COVID-19 remains a public health concern that we will continue to monitor closely to ensure we are addressing the needs of our communities.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

Although the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 is being lifted, COVID-19 remains an important public health concern. With good protection against severe outcomes through immunization, the ongoing circulation of COVID-19 can be managed with other respiratory viruses using routine communicable disease procedures. I strongly encourage anyone, especially adults, who remain unvaccinated to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself from severe outcomes of the virus.

The Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade

Quick facts

• Ending the public health emergency is consistent with other provinces and territories.
• Some settings like long-term care homes, health centres and hospitals may continue requiring public health measures and isolation periods to protect vulnerable Yukoners.
• Vaccination remains the best way for Yukoners to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities from severe outcomes related to COVID-19 and related variants.
• Vaccines and booster shots remain available throughout the territory. To be up to date on vaccinations, Yukoners must receive all eligible vaccine and booster doses. Book your vaccine appointment

Backgrounder

• In the Yukon, a public health emergency was declared due to COVID-19 on March 18, 2020, under section 4.3 of the Public Health and Safety Act.
• Under the Civil Emergencies Measures Act, other regulations were put in place to manage COVID-19 and these have since been rescinded.

Contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
[email protected]

Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]

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