Yukon Government COVID-19 Update for June 17, 2020

Wednesday, 17 June 2020 14:47

COVID-19 Update June 17, 2020. Dental professionals may again offer full dental services in the territory beginning July 1st. Restaurants can also resume serving at full capacity, outdoor gatherings are increased to 50 people, and the Yukon, BC border will open as well.

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley announced that as of June 17th the COVID-19 case count remains at 11 in the territory.

Dental professionals may again offer full dental services in the territory beginning July 1st. Dental professionals will be able to offer non-urgent services. At this time, dental professionals must continue to follow the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Recommended Practices and Personal Protective Equipment.

Guidelines have now been created and posted for the operation of fitness centres and gyms. This guidance does not apply to recreation centres with pools, arenas, sports fields or large indoor spaces for gatherings. It is designed for public indoor spaces designed for shared fitness purposes. An operational plan must be submitted if the operation employs staff and the safe six must be applied.

Guidelines for the operation of public recreation centres have also been released. These guidelines address facilities with large indoor spaces, pools, running tracks, curling and ice rinks, etc.

Beginning July 1, Yukon restaurants can increase their operating capacity from 50 per cent to 100 per cent. Restaurants will still be required to follow the reopening food premises guidelines.

As of July 1, outdoor gatherings in Yukon may have up to 50 people in attendance. These should still respect physical distancing guidelines and may not serve shared food. No buffets or pot lucks are permitted at this time. The limit for indoor gatherings remains at 10 or fewer.

Public libraries throughout Yukon will begin providing varying levels of service to their respective communities. People should contact their local library for more details. Whitehorse Public Library currently offers curbside service.

Appropriate physical distancing measures will be in place for the library curbside pickup and library items will be processed according to recommended national guidelines and safety protocols. This includes a quarantine period, which means a delay in getting books back into circulation. Late fees will continue to be waived and extended loan periods remain in place. The e-library continues to be available for use.