YT Government: New temporary public health measures now in force

Press Release

18/01/2022

Stronger public health measures needed to address the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon are now enforceable under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

The new temporary public health measures are being introduced to further limit contact between individuals and prevent further strain on public health systems based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Public health measures now in effect include:

  • Indoor social gatherings, group activities, recreational or cultural gatherings, including recreational team sports; group fitness; group recreation and leisure activities are limited to 10 people from a maximum of two vaccinated households.
  • All indoor organized events including funerals and weddings are postponed until further notice.
  • Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to a maximum of 25 people from up to three households.
  • Outdoor organized events and gatherings: capacity is limited to 50 people with proof of vaccination for those older than 12 years and four months of age.
  • Unvaccinated individuals who live alone can gather with up to one additional household to a maximum of 10 people;
  • Casinos and nightclubs must remain closed until further notice.
  • Restaurants and bars:
    • proof of vaccination is required for table service, for those older than 12 years and four months of age, with a limit of six people from a maximum of two households per table.
    • tables need to be spaced two metres (six feet) apart, and there can be no bar or countertop eating or service;
    • there can be no mingling between tables and dancing is not permitted;
    • there is no seated or dine-in service past 10 p.m., but take-out will be offered to normal closing times; and
    • if people do not have proof of vaccination they may pick up take-out only.
  • Stores, banks and public libraries: limited to 50 per cent venue capacity, proof of vaccination is not required.
  • Faith-based gatherings, personal care services, museums, art galleries and movie theatres: proof of vaccination is required for those over 12 years and four months of age, and attendance is limited to 25 people or 50 per cent venue capacity, whichever is less.
  • Recreation and leisure sites:
    • includes gyms, fitness studios, sport facilities and arts spaces;
    • proof of vaccination is required for Yukoners over 12 years and four months;
    • for organized events and classes attendance is limited to 10 people from a maximum of two households;
    • no indoor team games or practices are permitted, except for up to 10 people from a maximum of two households playing together.
  • Public saunas and steam rooms or baths are to remain closed.

Mandatory masking continues to be in effect in all indoor public settings and in outdoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Yukoners are strongly encouraged to continue practising the Safe 6 plus 1 at all times.

In addition to following public health measures, vaccination increases protection against COVID-19. All eligible Yukoners are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot as soon as possible. Additional clinic appointment times have been made available at Yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot. The Vaccine clinic in Whitehorse is open Monday to Saturday. Booking an appointment is strongly recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated as much as possible.

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.

Quick facts

  • COVID-19 vaccination appointment times, including for boosters, are available online at Yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot.
  • The clinic in Whitehorse is located at the Yukon Convention Centre, 4051-4th Avenue. In communities, people should contact their local health centre.

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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