The Yukon will enter phase two of the COVID-19 reopening plan on July 1.

That phase will see the Yukon border open to B.C., the resumption of dental services, and restaurants returning to full capacity.

As well, public libraries will reopen, and outdoor gatherings of 50 people will be permitted.

“As you return to public places and socialize with others, please remember that you must continue to follow the six steps for staying safe,” Premier Sandy Silver told a COVID-19 media briefing Wednesday afternoon.

The premier reiterated the importance of hand-washing, physical distancing and remaining home while sick as the territory reopens. 

Silver said the requirements of B.C. residents entering the Yukon after July 1 are still to be determined, and will be released soon.

Dr. Brendan Hanley, the chief medical officer, said he is confident that the risk of COVID-19 importation from B.C. is low. As of Thursday morning, there are 185 active cases of the virus in B.C.

“As long as we are careful, methodical … I’m not particularly worried about B.C. residents coming into Yukon,” Hanley said.

“Based on the epidemiology of actual, active cases in B.C., the risk is very, very low.”

Dentists may also offer full services beginning July 1. Non-emergency dental care has been suspended since March 27.

In phase two of the reopening plan, Yukoners can visit their dentist for oral examinations, dental cleaning, radiographs, tooth extraction, aesthetic procedures, implants and other procedures.

Restaurants will be permitted to increase capacity from 50 per cent to 100 per cent when the Yukon enters phase two of the reopening plan.

Restaurants have been offering dine-in service at 50 per cent capacity since May 29.

Outdoor gatherings of 50 people will also be permitted on July 1.

Physical distancing should be followed at all gatherings. Shared food gatherings, such as buffets or potlucks, are not allowed.

Indoor gatherings will still be capped at 10 people.

The Yukon’s libraries will also resume services in July. The Whitehorse Public Library launched a curbside pick-up service earlier this week.

Books will be subject to a quarantine period after they are returned to libraries before they are put back into circulation, according to a government press release.

The suspension of late fees and extended loan periods are still in place at Yukon libraries.

Guidelines have also been issued for fitness centres and gyms. These businesses must submit an operational plan to the government. 

Public recreation centres have also been issued guidelines. These will affect pools, running tracks, curling and ice rinks.

Hanley said the territory will continue moving forward on the reopening plan, even if small outbreaks of the virus appear in the territory.

Restrictions will only be reintroduced if there are enough cases to strain the Yukon’s public health capacity, Hanley explained.

“I think this is unlikely; we’re trying to go incrementally enough so this doesn’t happen,” Hanley said.

“Sometimes things can happen very quickly, you can get large outbreaks associated with the introduction of a case into a susceptible setting.

“We continue to do the work to make sure we identify and protect … so that we are able to contain the smaller outbreaks that may happen.”