On Air Now CHON Overnight Midnight - 7:00am

Now Playing overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

Masks no more

Wednesday, 21 July 2021 15:32

By Dylan MacNeil

Dr. Elliot speaking at this afternoon's COVID-19 update. (Facebook - Government of Yukon)

Staring August fourth masks will no longer be mandatory in indoor public spaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing in the territory for over a year and now restrictions are being lifted.

Starting on August fourth Yukoners will be able to smile at one another again. Masks will no longer be mandatory in indoor public spaces, physical distancing will not be required in bars and restaurants, and self isolation rules will be dropped. Gathering size limits will still be in place.

Establishments can still request that patrons dawn a face covering though. Yukon’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott says masks will still be a valuable tool for flu season or if you are in long term, close contact with a person who is unvaccinated.

Dr. Elliott says that with vaccination rates high and case counts dropping, it will be safe de-mask soon.

“We can’t keep our lives on pause for much longer, and as we continue to learn the ways of how COVID-19 targets, how it infects people, how it’s transmitted, we have to transition to a time of living with COVID-19,” said Dr. Elliot at this afternoon’s COVID update.

As of July 16, 85 percent of eligible adults have received their first dose and 79 percent have their second dose.

If case counts continue to decrease, the state of emergency and all other restrictions could be lifted next month.

Dr. Elliott says they will continue to monitor the situation and keep an eye on variants.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Mountainview Linda Moen

Audio
The 2025 Territorial General Election at a glance

Yukoners are getting ready to head to the polls. Here's a look at what you need to know.
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Riverdale North Rose Sellars and Yukon Party campaign chair Geraldine Van Bibber

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Watson Lake-Faro-Ross River Josie O'Brien

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Whistle Bend South Dustin McKenzie-Hubbard

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Cory Bellmore

Audio
Three arrested in connection with Watson Lake firearm incident

47-year-old Jarret Munch and 35-year-old Justin Stone, both of Watson Lake, face charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Fatal fire at remote Yukon mine camp claims two lives

Suspicious causes have been ruled out; the fire's origin remains undetermined
Yukoners unite to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The event commemorated Red Dress Day, a nationwide initiative held annually on October 4th to raise awareness about the ongoing concerns surrounding violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Premier and Yukon Liberal Party Leader Mike Pemberton

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP Leader Kate White

Audio
CYFN commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

A community walk, food, and entertainment are scheduled, with the march starting at 11 a.m. from the Healing Totem at the downtown wharf.
Whitehorse RCMP arrest two males in connection with vehicle thefts

Tyrell Sidney, 45, and William Johnson, 61, both from the Yukon, face numerous charges, including theft, robbery, and possession of stolen property.
Council of Yukon First Nations dedicates family preservation wellness centre

The centre was named in honour of Shirley Adamson, Zhürá, recognising her advocacy for First Nations families.
Whitehorse man sentenced to 2 months of house arrest for house explosion

Preston apologized to Gould's wife, Linda, and agreed to pay $24,000 in restitution to her and another neighbor.
Whitehorse students participate in fall cultural harvest celebration

By incorporating cultural education into the curriculum, students benefit from enriched learning experiences and increased ecological literacy
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport celebrates completion of the main runway

This upgraded runway is more than an infrastructure project – it’s an investment in the future of the Yukon.
Yukon gymnastics centre officially handed over to Climb Yukon and Polarettes gymnastics club

The Yukon Gymnastics Centre, located in Whistle Bend, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including a spacious gym, dance studio, cutting-edge climbing facility, and community area.