COVID-19 dashboard receiving fewer updates
While cases of COVID-19 continue to mount in the Yukon, the territorial government has announced plans to transition to handle the virus like other respiratory illnesses.
While cases of COVID-19 continue to mount in the Yukon, the territorial government has announced plans to transition to handle the virus like other respiratory illnesses.
The official number of cases on Thursday shows 36 active cases. Twelve of those are newly identified.
The testing positivity rate remains high, at 49.7 per cent.
However, Dr. Sudit Runade, the new chief medical officer of health, told a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday afternoon he doesn’t consider the rate to be of much significance due to restrictions in testing for the virus (see coverage, p. 4).
He and Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee announced Wednesday the last vaccine mandates applying to high-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes and congregate living centres such as shelter and group homes will be lifted – but no timeline was given.
McPhee said the recommendation from Ranade had to be approved by cabinet, and would be effective immediately afterward.
She did not mention that cabinet was to meet Thursday – the very next day – to discuss that item, which was approved, eliminating the last of the mandates.
A news release issued late Thursday afternoon stated: “The Government of Yukon is working closely with the office of the chief medical officer of health to take cautious steps in shifting from the acute stage of the pandemic response to part of our ongoing work to support the public health of Yukoners.
“Following the recommendation of the Yukon’s chief medical officer of health, the Government of Yukon is lifting its remaining vaccine requirements for workers, volunteers and contractors working in high-risk settings.
“Starting (Thursday), the COVID-19 data dashboard will be updated less frequently. Moving forward, most data will be updated weekly and vaccine-related data will be updated monthly.”
Ranade said it’s time to move from treating COVID-19 as an acute public health concern to an endemic one such as influenza.
“I encourage all Yukoners, especially those working in high-risk settings, to stay up to date on vaccines and booster doses,” he said.
“The recent Omicron variants have shown milder disease but increased transmissibility, even in vaccinated people.
“All Yukoners ages 18 and up can now get their second booster dose to increase their protection for the coming fall months when there will be increased respiratory illness.”
McPhee added, “As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19, the Government of Yukon is taking steps to ensure that the health and safety of Yukoners continues to be protected and that our COVID-19 response aligns with the current situation in the territory.
“Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19, and I encourage all Yukoners to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and get a second booster dose when they are eligible.”
Comments (3)
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Juniper Jackson on Jul 16, 2022 at 10:15 am
I understand why the world reacted so strongly to what was essentially, a flu. Word probably leaked out of China, that China was going to release a deadly virus on the world. While this was not true, how would leaders know that? They erred on the side of caution to protect their citizens.
What I don't understand is why, after the first 6 months that predictions did NOT come to pass. (Dr. Hanley said that as many as 7,000 Yukoners will die) why did leaders not go 'whew..we missed a bullet on this one, but if it ever really does happen, we know how it's going to go, and will plan accordingly".
Even now, with Canada having had 1.2% of deaths, the Liberals are hanging on to the old rhetoric. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality
There is something seriously wrong with Trudeau, and I don't understand why people, or how they can follow someone like this? This is a great listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtjXKe43hew
Things you, (and me) didn't know about Trudeau.. the caption is about blackface, but this CBC article is about ALL of Trudeau, and how he was and is perceived. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/justin-trudeau-blackface-wherry-1.5291424 Another excellent read.
Covid? Destroyed in so many ways. I'm looking for action, not chit chat. I'm looking for people to go back to work, get out of their houses and start living a life. I'm looking for the kids on my block to start playing hockey in the street again. I think, people, during covid lockdowns and distancing became aware of just how much they like themselves. They found they didn't need other people. Forced isolation became personal privacy. Meme's started coming out emphasizing how much we all liked not reporting to someone else for 8 hours a day and living in our space. Alone.
Runade.. you and McPhee can wag your mouths until the cows come home..but everyone, (I think, everyone, but I don't talk for anyone but myself) wants to see something happen. It's just the Liberal way to talk, and talk, and talk.. just do it. Set everyone free. (Mind you, a huge cheer to Yukoner's that just did their thing anyway, regardless of what someone else had to say). Free? Wear a mask if you want to, or don't..go to work if you want to, or don't. Have birthday parties for your kids..or don't.. choice.. give everyone the freedom of choice.
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Matthew on Jul 16, 2022 at 4:17 am
85% of Canadians vaxed up, get over it now, the real damage was never 34K deaths, it's in the 500B of new money printed! Bank of Canada rate hikes are far more deadly than covid ever was! Inflation, Canadas REAL pandemic
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MITCH on Jul 15, 2022 at 4:38 pm
You realize that they stopped tracking numbers so they do not have to cite numbers this fall when they force boosters on you, right? They claim we are in the midst of the seventh wave. I don't buy it anymore. I got two shots.
Period.