Key takeaways:
- New COVID-19 restrictions, which limit gatherings and events and require bars and restaurants to close by 10 p.m., will have Yukoners calling it a night.
- Depending on data from Ontario and British Columbia, the Yukon is preparing for the full impact of the Omicron wave in the coming weeks.
On Jan 18, Yukoners will be calling it a night when new COVID-19 restrictions take effect, limiting gatherings and events and requiring bars and restaurants to close by 10 p.m.
The new measures, declared by the govt on Jan 14, are intended to combat Omicron’s rapid expansion and reduce individual contact. While it is recommended that Yukoners put them in place right away, they would become enforceable on Tuesday.
“We are in a crucial phase here in the territory as we prepare for the impact that the Omicron variant is having on other jurisdictions throughout Canada and the world.” According to Premier Sandy Silver in a statement, these new public health measures are essential to keep our healthcare system from becoming overburdened.
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The following are some of the new temporary measures:
- Limiting all private and public gatherings to two households with a maximum of ten people, such as recreational team sports, group fitness, group recreation, as well as leisure activities, and six people per table at bars and restaurants.
- All indoor organized events, such as funerals and weddings, have been postponed, and casinos have been ordered to remain closed.
- Establishing a deadline for bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m.
The Yukon is gearing up for the full impact of the Omicron wave in the coming weeks, depending on data from Ontario and British Columbia. A rise in hospitalization is expected, and a shortage of healthcare workers.
The Yukon’s test positivity rate has risen from 8% in Dec. to 40% as of Jan 11. On Jan 10, the national percentage was 30%.
In the territory, Omicron is now the most common variant. People who have had all of their vaccinations, including booster shots, are much more likely to have milder symptoms.
In addition to new limitations, acting chief medical officer Dr. Catherine Elliott advises employers to encourage work-from-home policies, promote staying home when sick, and provide support to self-isolated employees.
Employers and self-employed people can take advantage of Yukon’s Paid Sick Leave Rebate, which pays up to ten days’ wages for workers who are sick, self-isolating, or caring for other members of the household due to COVID-19.
“These new measures are needed to reduce the number of people who will become seriously unwell, and they are designed to decrease COVID risk while maintaining health and well-being as much as possible,” Elliott said.
Source-CTV News
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