October 20, 2021: COVID-19 case update

The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak in one unit at the Whistle Bend Place long-term care home following the identification of one case in the facility.   

The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols.  

Visitor access to the affected unit is restricted for a minimum of 28 days following exposure.  

The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health reports 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Yukon from noon Monday, October 18, to noon Wednesday, October 20. The number of active cases is currently at 69.   

Total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020: 873. Individuals who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the active case count but not in the Yukon total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction. Since March 2020 809 individuals have recovered. Ten individuals have died.  

For the new cases since noon on Monday, October 18:  

• Fifteen are Yukon residents 
• Seven are from out of territory but diagnosed in the Yukon 

A rapid response team is being deployed to Lower Post later today with testing to begin Thursday, October 21. The testing team will be at the Health Centre in Lower Post until Saturday, October 23. Clinic hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The team is being deployed to respond to an increase in cases in this community in support of the Northern Health authority in B.C.  

The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health continues to remind everyone who has symptoms to get tested, no matter where they are located. Anyone experiencing symptoms in Whitehorse should call the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre at 867-393-3083 or book online to arrange for testing. People in communities should contact their rural community health centre.  

Yukoners are also reminded that the best way to protect themselves and the people around them is to get fully vaccinated. COVID-19 and its variants spread easily. People can pass infection on even if they do not have any symptoms. Everyone aged 12 and older can get vaccinated in the Yukon.