There wasn’t a lot new on tap during this morning’s weekly COVID-19 briefing that Yukoners hadn’t already learned.

Most of what was discussed involved the new state of emergency declaration that was announced Monday evening (see related coverage, pages 4, 5).

Perhaps the most significant news is that territorial public service workers who are not fully vaccinated by Jan. 30, 2022, will be placed on unpaid leave until they comply.

Premier Sandy Silver delivered that news rather casually during his remarks this morning.

The move will place the government directly at odds with at least two of the largest unions in the territory in the form of the Yukon Employees’ Union (YEU), which has strenuously resisted this measure, as well as the Yukon Teachers’ Association.

Silver did not address that matter any further.

A call to YEU president Steve Geick wasn’t returned by press deadline early this afternoon, nor was a call to YTA president Ted Hupé.

Silver also delivered a prolonged scolding to some members of the public after saying he has heard reports that frontline medical personnel – mostly nurses – have been on the receiving end of verbal and even physical “abuse” from people unhappy with the renewed state of emergency in the Yukon.

Silver called those frontline workers “heroes” and heaped praise on them for their efforts over the last 18 months of the pandemic.

Later in the briefing, Silver refused to provide more details or to quantify the number of incidents he has been informed of.

“I think my statement speaks for itself,” he said.

Silver and Dr. Catherine Elliott, the acting chief medical officer of health, said – as they have for the last two days – there is evidence of community spread in Whitehorse that can’t be traced.

“It’s unprecedented,” Silver said. “COVID is not finished with us.

“These measures aren’t easy, but they are necessary.”

There are currently 156 active cases, Elliott said. Eight people are hospitalized, an increase of seven in the last week.

She didn’t elaborate as to whether any are in intensive care. No one has been flown south for treatment, Elliott said.

Whitehorse accounts for 108 cases, while other clusters are in Carmacks and Watson Lake.

Elliott said more vaccinated people are being infected. She said that “makes sense,” considering the waning effects of the vaccine.

That’s why the government has introduced a booster shot program for people who are at least 50 years old.

It’s possible these booster shots will continue to be needed on a semi-regular basis, Elliott said, but the science remains uncertain on that.

“It’s normal for a vaccines’ effectiveness to wane over time,” she said.

With community transmission widespread in Whitehorse, no further exposure notices will be issued.

The government also released a lengthy list of businesses and services where varying restrictions will be introduced.

Mandatory masking will be required in essential services such as banks and grocery stores, along with physical distancing.

Non-essential services such as hair stylists and personal services will require clients to provide proof of vaccination and personal identification.

The full list is available on the government website.

A news release that accompanied the briefing provided some more information.

“The Government of Yukon is fast-tracking the vaccination requirement for designated settings to support new public health recommendations from the acting chief medical officer of health,” it reads.

“Starting November 13, 2021, people age 12 and up will be required to provide proof of vaccination to access designated establishments and services in the Yukon.”

Designated settings that require proof of vaccination include bars, restaurants, gyms, recreation facilities, art galleries, theatres and hair and nail salons.

Proof of vaccination will not be required to access essential services such as health care, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, public transportation and shelters. The list of designated settings is now available on https://Yukon.ca.

Beginning Saturday, people will be required to show the paper or digital copy of their Proof of Vaccination Credential as well as a piece of government-issued photo identification in order to access those establishments and services on the list of designated settings. Government-issued identification for youth age 12 to 18 will not require a photo.

Yukoners can request their Proof of Vaccination Credential online at https://Yukon.ca/vaccine-proof.