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Yukon's active COVID-19 case count continues to rise

Wednesday, 16 June 2021 13:07

By Dylan MacNeil

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

There are now 50 active infections in the territory.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley announced at this morning’s COVID-19 update that there are now 50 active cases in the territory. That’s up 17 since yesterday afternoon’s news release. Many of the cases involve the Gamma variant.

49 of the cases are confirmed and one is probable. The majority of the cases are in Whitehorse, which now has 44. Six are in rural communities.

Two of the infections have been fully vaccinated people. Dr. Hanley says vaccines continue to be the best way to fight the virus. He is encouraging those who haven’t got their shot to do so.

Dr. Hanley says the source of the outbreak is not known, but the spread is linked to high school graduation events this past weekend and adults who are socializing at bars. He says if you attended a graduation event and are not vaccinated, you should self isolate. If you are vaccinated, you should monitor for symptoms. If you are in household contact with someone who is infected, you should also self isolate, even if you are fully vaccinated.

“This is our first widespread outbreak and it has outstripped anything we have seen before. If we see many cases, there is more chance for serious disease to occur, even in young adults and youth. So, yes, we are concerned, but panic is not necessary and fear will not help. We know how to respond to outbreaks,” said Dr. Hanley this morning.

Dr. Hanley says even though the outbreak is concerning, we will get through it. He says going forward, the plan is to test as many people as possible. Premier Sandy Silver says enforcement of public measures will be increased.

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