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Recommendation from Dr. Hanley means funerals and wedding could be held soon

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 13:24

By Dylan MacNeil

Premier Sandy Silver speaking at this morning's COVID-19 update.

Premier Silver is ironing out the details.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley says he has recommended that the government can safely increase gathering sizes, which would mean funerals, weddings, faith-based services, and cultural events could resume. He says up to 200 people could attend as long as the venue can support physical distancing.

Premier Sandy Silver says he is working with his cabinet on ironing out the details of the recommendation, which would also see indoor hang out limits upped to by 10 to 20 people and outdoor gatherings could be doubled to 100. Distancing and masks would still be needed.

Silver says the recent news of 76 percent of Yukoners getting their first shot, which allows for the easing of some restrictions, is a milestone.

“I want to thank all of the dedicated individuals in our government and our partners in each and every community that have contributed to this collective and historic effort. It really has been a team Yukon effort, and there is no team that myself and Dr. Hanley and Mary would rather be on. I’m elated.” Said Silver at this morning’s COVID-19 update.

With self isolation rules, and restrictions on bars and restaurants being loosened next week, Dr. Hanley says people still need to be careful, even if they are fully vaccinated.

“We need to remember that reopening is a process of slowly and carefully peeling away restrictions like layers of onion skin, as our vaccination rates continue to climb and as we show success in working together through each step.” Said Hanley.

Right now, there are zero active cases of the virus in the Yukon.

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