P.1 COVID-19 variant has entered the Yukon

Wednesday, 14 April 2021 13:11

By Dylan MacNeil

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley speaking at today's COVID-19 update.

This morning, the Chief Medical Officer of Health confirmed the latest cases are of the variant.

At this morning’s COVID-19 update, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley reported that Yukon’s last two cases are linked to a family group that entered the Yukon from outside of the territory. Dr. Hanley confirmed that the cases are the first of the P.1 variant in the Yukon.

Dr. Hanley says that little is known of P.1 compared to other variants, but more is being learnt everyday. He says the P.1 variant was originally associated with Brazil. According to Dr. Hanley, the same public safety measures implemented to stop the spread of traditional COVID-19 work to stop variants.

With much of Canada experiencing a third wave and imposing more restrictions and lock downs, Dr. Hanley went on to say that there are plans in place for what to do if things get worse. Hanley says if there are increased hospitalizations and community spread in the territory, additional steps may have to be taken.

Dr. Hanley mentioned that the future is unpredictable as the virus continues to change.

“I know we never thought that this pandemic would surpass 12 months, but here we are. And although I wish we could, we can not predict what this is going to look like in a few months or even in a few weeks as the virus does continue to go through quite drastic changes, and of course, that part is beyond our control. Even with today’s news, though it may not always seem like it, we are in a good position and while others are locking down, we are having these conversations and looking forward to when we can begin to lift some restrictions.” Says Dr. Hanley.

Dr. Hanley went on to say that as more Yukoners get vaccinated, it is possible that in the future, self isolation requirements could be relaxed, but now is not the time. Currently 70 percent of Yukon's eligible population is vaccinated. Dr. Hanley says vaccine uptake has slowed down, but it is still increasing. The age group with the lowest vaccination rates is 18-29, sitting around 54 percent. Dr. Hanley says that is an area of the population where COVID-19 has potential to spread.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Ground searches at two former Whitehorse residential school sites begin this week

WARNING: This article contains information that could be distressing to some readers.
Coroner's Inquest sees footage of lifeless body ignored for more than 12 hours

The on-site paramedic called the incident of Darla Skookum's death “bizarre” because she had obviously passed away many hours earlier.
How We Walk with the Land and Water holds two open houses

The open houses gave citizens and relations an opportunity to share their vision for the Southern Lakes Region
Whitehorse Emergency Shelter staff not trained for emergencies, inquest hears

Last week inquest heard Whitehorse emergency shelter staff members testifying that they were not trained for the emergencies that caused the deaths of four Yukon women.
Premier pledges to meet with Yukoners living in tents to help them find housing

Audio

Yukon NDP House Leader Lane Tredger describes Premier Ranj Pillai's commitment as a bluff; says Pillai is "out of touch."
Whitehorse Emergency Shelter saw a higher presence of drugs after the Connective took over

One staff member while testifying, said things changed for the worse when Connective took over, as they saw a higher presence of drugs.
Whitehorse Shelter has recorded 144 overdoses between 2020 and 2022

144 overdoses has happened at the shelter between 2020 and 2022. Three were at least fatal, including Cassandra Warville and Myranda Tizya-Charlie, on Jan. 19, 2022.
Whitehorse Emergency Shelter understaffed and staff lacked training - inquest reveals

They said at the time of the incident, there was no clear policy or training available to staff on how to deal with overdose incidents nether were they trained on how to monitor intoxicated guests.
Yukon’s legislature recognizes 40 years of programming by CHON-FM/NNBY

Audio

Tributes to CHON-FM include special mention of the late Rockin' Terry Carlick
Coroner’s Inquest into Whitehorse Emergency Shelter deaths begins in Whitehorse

Loud screaming was heard and many broke into tears in painful disbelief when the CCTV footage showed shelter staff dragging the women's lifeless bodies from the shower room.
The Whitehorse Star says goodbye after over a century of publication

One of the last locally owned newspapers in Canada is closing its doors after 124 years of serving Yukoners; thanks staff, advertisers, and readers for being part of its rich history.
City of Whitehorse tables new bylaw to discourage abandoning buildings

If introduced, the bylaw would make annual permits mandatory for buildings left vacant for more than a month and would require owners to safeguard the building from fire and other hazards, maintain insurance and carry out snow and ice removal.
Yukon Party renews its criticism of Yukon Hospital Corporation funding following CBC article.

Audio

Health Critic Brad Cathers quoted documents acquired by the public broadcaster through an Access to Information request, while Minister McPhee stands by the funding of the Hospital Corporation.
CHON-FM's Kaska-language coverage of hockey tournament gets national attention

You can hear CBC's national host interview Testloa Smith
Yukon Party criticizes the health minister's trip to Scotland

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee spent seven days in Scotland following several rural health centre closures and service reductions in Yukon communities. McPhee hasn't visited Watson Lake in-person since 2021.
Whitehorse RCMP arrests one suspected to be involed with Victim Services Office break-in

A search warrant by Police officers with Whitehorse Detachment General Investigation Section and General Duty officers was executed where Kyle McCormick was known to reside and recovered additional items also believed to be taken from the break-in.
Yukon Native Hockey Tournament returns to Whitehorse

The 44th Annual Yukon Native Hockey Tournament will see 56 teams from the Yukon, Bc, and North West Terriotries attending one of the most anticipated social events of the year.
Community space in the former cafeteria in Jim Smith Building now open

The community space situated on the ground floor of the Jim Smith Building, which is located at 2071 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse, will be open starting Monday, March 18th and will continue to welcome visitors for the next six and a half weeks
Break-in at Whitehorse Victim Services office under inverstigation

Confidential files and other items are believed to have been accessed and individuals who have obtained services or may have been referenced in victims’ files through Victim Services may be affected.
Yukon's RCMP records historic seizure of cocaine in Dawson City

This seizure of cocaine is the largest cocaine seizure in the Yukon to date.