WHITEHORSE – Yukon is lifting its COVID-19 public health emergency declaration nearly three years after it was put in place to slow the spread of the global pandemic in the territory.
WHITEHORSE – Yukon is lifting its COVID-19 public health emergency declaration nearly three years after it was put in place to slow the spread of the global pandemic in the territory.
A statement from the Yukon government says it has accepted the recommendation of its chief medical officer and lifted the declaration imposed under its Public Health and Safety Act.
The statement said the decision is “one more step Yukon is taking to manage COVID-19 in a more sustainable way,” while supporting the health of everyone in the territory.
Although the emergency is ending, the statement says Yukoners should continue to take steps to stay well, including keeping vaccinations up to date and staying home if they feel sick.
Health and Human Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee says the change will mean managing COVID-19 like other communicable diseases, but the virus remains a public health concern that officials will monitor closely.
The public health emergency was declared in the Yukon on March 18, 2020, as cases of COVID-19 increased across Canada, and the statement said the cancellation of the order is consistent with actions of other provinces and territories.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 16, 2023.
The Canadian press