Yukon News Releases
Yukon launches non-medical COVID-19 information line
Yukoners will now find it easier to get non-medical COVID-19 information with the launch of a new, dedicated COVID-19 InfoLine. The InfoLine can provide Yukon specific information about travel and borders, self-isolation and physical distancing, enforcement, and the various social and economic supports for businesses and families.
May 8, 2020: COVID-19 update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, May 8, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
All of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered. There are no active cases in the territory and 1,075 individuals have been tested.
Drug use reminder issued in times of pandemic
The Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley, and Yukon's Chief Coroner Heather Jones are cautioning Yukon residents around drug use after seven drug-related deaths since January 2020: three deaths in March and April are confirmed as fentanyl-related, while three deaths from January and February are still awaiting toxicology confirmation of drug content.
YESAB endorses Alaska Highway safety improvements
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) has recommended that the Alaska Highway Safety Improvement project be allowed to proceed as proposed. The Department of Highways and Public Works received the project evaluation report from YESAB on May 1, 2020.
May 5, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, May 5, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
All of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered. There are no active cases in the territory and 1,041 individuals have been tested.
New support available for Yukon’s aviation industry
Yukon’s aviation sector will receive $3.56 million in support to help compensate for lost revenues as a result of COVID-19.
The government will flow federal funding to aviation businesses to support critical and essential routes and the transportation of vital supplies. The $3.56 million in funding is Yukon’s portion of Government of Canada support announced on April 14.
New adult supervised residential program operated by John Howard Society
A new adult supervised residential program is operating in Whitehorse. The John Howard Society is now providing clients with continuous support and advocacy as they navigate potential obstacles in their reintegration, and assist them to establish positive community connections.
May 1, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, May 1, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
All of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered. There are no active cases in the territory.
New orders under Civil Emergency Measures Act come into force
Three new Ministerial Orders under the Civil Emergency Measures Act are now in force that will allow government to be responsive to the evolving state of emergency in Yukon.
The orders:
New leadership for Yukon Liquor Corporation, Lotteries Yukon and Highways and Public Works
Premier Sandy Silver today announced the appointment of Manon Moreau as the president of the Yukon Liquor Corporation and Lotteries Yukon, and Paul McConnell as the deputy minister for the Department of Highways and Public Works.
McConnell and Moreau will begin in their new roles on July 4.
Canada’s First Ministers issue statement on shared public health approach to support restarting the economy
Canada’s First Ministers released a statement today outlining the principles, criteria, and measures that inform decisions to open the country’s economy while protecting citizens from COVID-19.
Temporary changes to licensing requirements for certain Yukon drivers
Yukon seniors will remain mobile and commercial drivers can continue deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic following passage of a new Driver Medical Order.
April 28, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, April 28, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Eight of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered and all others are doing well at home.
Statement from Minister Jeanie Dendys on National Mourning Day
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning. This is a day to remember our friends, colleagues and family members who have died or been injured in the workplace.
Everyday an individual goes to work to provide for themselves and their families, they should return home alive and in good health. No one should be faced with the prospect of going to work and never coming home. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit to be exempted from Yukon Social Assistance
Yukoners receiving Social Assistance benefits will not experience a reduction if they receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Currently, under Yukon’s Social Assistance Regulation the CERB would qualify as unearned income and result in a reduction in the total amount of Social Assistance benefits. Forthcoming changes under the Civil Emergency Measures Act will fully exempt CERB payments from April to June 2020.
Yukon receives ventilators from federal emergency response services
Yukon has received six ventilators from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s emergency response services, significantly increasing the territory’s capacity to provide acute care in response to COVID-19.
Yukon now has a total of 15 ventilators distributed between the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Emergency Medical Services. Five of the new ventilators have been assigned to Whitehorse General Hospital, one intensive care unit Puritan Bennett 840 model and four of the portable Newport HT-50 models. One additional portable ventilator has been assigned to Emergency Medical Services.
April 24, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, April 24, at 3 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Eight of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered and all others are doing well at home. No one has had to go to a hospital.
Daily updates
Property tax payment deadline extended to September 2
The Government of Yukon has extended the deadline for property tax payments from July 2 to September 2, 2020 for citizens and businesses.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker signed a Ministerial Order under the Civil Emergency Measures Act today that will provide Yukon property owners whose incomes are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the ability to pay their property taxes up to September 2 without penalty.
April 22, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, April 22, at 3 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Eight of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered and all others are doing well at home.
April 20, 2020: Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides update on COVID-19
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, April 20, at 3 p.m. there are two new cases of COVID-19 in the territory, bringing the total number of cases to 11. The new cases relate to a cluster in Whitehorse that is associated with international travel. Contact tracing and investigation continue.
