The Yukon government will launch phase two of the COVID-19 reopening plan on July 1, a phase that includes reopening the border between the Yukon and B.C.

“We are confident in our health care capacity, our ability to test and our ability to track and contain this virus,” Premier Sandy Silver said Friday afternoon.

“It’s that confidence … that allows us to move into phase two.”

Silver and Dr. Brendan Hanley, the chief medical officer, provided an update and hosted a virtual town hall, answering questions from the public.

Phase two will include the reopening of personal services, dine-in restaurants at 50 per cent capacity, day cares, day camps and recreational centres.

Once phase two is launched, border restrictions will relax between the Yukon and B.C.

This means that people will be able to move freely between the two jurisdictions without having to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to the Yukon.

“Lifting travel restrictions to British Columbia is possible because of the epidemiology of COVID-19 in that province,” Silver said.

“It is based in science, careful risk assessment and our confidence in how British Columbia is managing that pandemic.”

Last week, B.C. saw the lowest number of deaths and new cases since a public health emergency was declared in March. There are 228 active cases in the province.

Schools reopened in B.C. today, with students given the option to return to class or continue learning from home.

B.C. residents entering the Yukon will still have to sign a declaration at the border, Silver said.

Hanley added that some details on the border relaxation still need to be worked out.

“It’s actually a month away, which seems very unusual in these times,” Hanley said.

“There’s work to be done on how that will operationalize.”

B.C. residents entering the Yukon will see some restrictions on their travel, he added.

For example, he is considering continuing a ban on long-term care visitation for Outside residents.

Silver said the border opening could provide a much-needed boost to tourism operators.

“It’s definitely something we want to work on with the tourism associations,” Silver said.

Territorial campgrounds will reopen Thursday (see story below).

Silver urged Yukoners to be respectful and cautious while camping, and to only camp with members of their household bubble.

He asked that travel to rural communities be undertaken carefully. Campers should pack all the food and supplies they need for their trip before leaving home.

“Each community is taking steps to ensure that they feel safe and prepared for visitors, and we ask Yukoners to stay informed and respectful,” Silver said.

“Please do not linger unnecessarily outside shops or in the communities if you do not have a specific purpose for being there. Continue to practise these six steps for staying safe.”

Hanley said he is optimistic that the Yukon can continue to move forward on its reopening plan.

“This is an exciting day for all of us,” he said.

“I am confident if we continue on this path, we will be in a good place to move our path forward.”

See letters.