YT Government: COVID-19 public health measures continue to ease
Press Release
The Yukon government has announced plans to lift all remaining COVID-19 public health measures in the territory.
As previously announced, starting on March 4, 2022, there will be no longer limits on the size of gatherings, events or capacity at venues. Bars and restaurants will also be able to return to normal operations.
As of March 4, the following public health measures will remain in place:
- mandatory masking in all:
- indoor public places, including schools; and
- outdoor public settings when physical distancing cannot be maintained;
- the vaccination requirement for Yukon government full-time, part-time and casual employees, Yukon government volunteers and consultants and contractors hired by the Yukon government, health professionals, and for those providing services to priority populations in close contact within high-risk settings; and
- the requirement to show proof of vaccination to access designated settings for people who are 19 years of age or older.
Today, Premier Sandy Silver announced plans to lift the remaining public health measures provided health indicators continue to trend in the right direction. As of March 18, 2022, the Yukon government will be removing the requirement to wear masks and the requirement to show proof of vaccination to access designated sites.
Wearing masks will still be strongly recommended where it is difficult to physically distance. Businesses and organizations can continue to require masks and proof of vaccination if they choose, but they will no longer be required after March 18, 2022.
As of April 4, 2022, the Yukon government plans to lift the vaccination requirement for employment. As of March 2, 2022, 95 per cent of Yukon government employees had attested to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees that have not yet attested to the vaccination requirement have been placed on Leave Without Pay. This includes 92 full-time employees and 201 casual, on-call and seasonal employees. Lifting the vaccine requirement will allow most of these employees to return to work.
The Yukon government and the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health are working closely to evaluate and assess positions, including those in high-risk settings with vulnerable people, where vaccination will remain a requirement.
The vaccination requirement was announced on October 15, 2021. Between October 15, 2021 and February 28, 2022:
- 3,637 Yukoners received their first vaccine dose – more than 8.3 per cent of the territory’s population;
- 3,091 Yukoners received their second vaccine dose – approximately 7.1 per cent of the territory’s population; and
- 18,989 Yukoners received their COVID-19 booster shot – more than 43.5 per cent of the population.
Yukoners are strongly encouraged to continue practicing the Safe 6 plus 1 at all times. When going to gatherings, attending events or going to group activities it is important to understand and assess your COVID-19 risk to help inform personal health decisions.
Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19. All eligible Yukoners are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot as soon as possible. Appointments can be booked online at Yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to actively assess the risk levels in the territory associated with COVID-19 transmission and adjust recommendations as necessary.
The Yukon’s public health measures have been very effective in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our territory, including in government workplaces. We are fortunate that together we have avoided the most severe health and economic impacts of the pandemic. We would not be in this position if it were not for every Yukoner who stepped up, got their vaccines, practiced the safe six and helped prevent the spread of COVID-19. As we move forward to more normal circumstances in the coming weeks, I urge Yukoners to continue to be kind and respectful to one another. We are all in this together, and we need to continue to support each other.
Premier Sandy Silver
We have come so far as a territory over the course of this pandemic. As we ease public health measures this means each of us can make more choices. Let’s be kind and support each other as we move through this transition.
acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott
Quick facts
- Between October 15, 2021 and February 28, 2022:
- 3,637 Yukoners received their first vaccine dose – more than 8.3 per centof the territory’s population;
- 3,091 Yukoners received their second vaccine dose – approximately 7.1 per cent of the territory’s population; and
- 18,989 Yukoners received their COVID-19 booster shot – more than 43.5 per cent of the population.
- As of March 2, 2022, 95 per cent of Yukon government employees had attested to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- More measures will be eased on March 18, 2022.
Contact
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Samantha Henney
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-393-1616
samantha.henney@yukon.ca
Related information:
Restrictions: COVID-19
Where you have to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask and limits on gatherings
How to assess your COVID-19 risk
Mental health and wellness support during COVID-19
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