Revised - A 10th person has died from COVID-19 in the Yukon.

Meanwhile, the situation in Carcross with its COVID-19 outbreak appears to be worsening.

Dr. Catherine Elliott, the acting chief medical officer of health, reported the death Monday afternoon. Her office does not release details about fatal COVID cases.

There are currently 35 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory, with 15 cases confirmed since noon last Friday.

Among these new cases are nine in Carcross, one in Watson Lake, four in Whitehorse and one in Burwash Landing/Destruction Bay. Both the Delta variant and the Gamma variant are circulating in the Yukon.

Exposure notices have been issued to Grades 8 and 9 at Watson Lake Secondary School in Watson Lake and a daycare in Carcross. Yukon Communicable Disease Control has provided specific directions to affected people.

“My sincere condolences go out to the family members of the individual who most recently died from COVID-19. Any loss is devastating for family members and, when it is from COVID-19, it is a blow to those who are working so hard to keep everyone safe,” Elliott said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Elliott issued a news release strongly recommending that Carcross residents wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.

“I am concerned about early signs of community transmission of COVID in the Carcross community and know that community leaders share my concern,” Elliott said. “Wearing a mask is one step to help keep everyone safe.

“I must also ask people who are ill or who have a person with COVID-19 in their household to also stay home and prevent the further spread of disease.”

The release added, “This strong recommendation is based on early signs of community transmission within Carcross and an outbreak being declared at the school last week.

“The majority of positive cases in the past two weeks have been in Carcross, including among school-aged children and their families.”

With the Delta variant circulating widely in southern jurisdictions and spreading in-territory, with Yukoners travelling more frequently now than last year, and with flu season fast approaching, it is more important than ever to take steps to protect oneself, one’s family and community from the spread of COVID-19,” the release added.

During one of the last regular media briefings – since cancelled – reporters were told determining whether each case is a Delta case is time-consuming, so health officials assume that variant is present and act accordingly.