COVID-19 case numbers leapt Thursday in the Yukon.

In his daily report released Thursday afternoon, Dr. Jesse Kancir, the acting chief medical officer of health, announced nine new cases of COVID-19 were discovered from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday.

The number of active cases is currently at 45.  

According to the report, two cases are out-of-territory residents diagnosed in the Yukon.

Three residents are from rural Yukon and four are from Whitehorse.

Kancir had previously reported two new cases from noon Tuesday to noon Wednesday.

Since June 1, 534 people have recovered and six people have died, five of whom were unvaccinated and one partially vaccinated. A total of eight people have died from COVID-19 since November 2020.

In related news, the Ross River Dena Council advises all community members that as of 10 p.m. Thursday, the number of active cases involving members of the community has risen to five after three new cases were confirmed.

“Two of the new positives were linked to previous cases, and one case is still under investigation. Contact tracing is under way,” reads a report posted on Facebook from the council.

“All three of the new cases are now self-isolating in Ross River, and the two cases that were confirmed last week are self-isolating in Whitehorse.

“Based on the current spike of COVID-19 in our community, council is asking everyone to take every possible precaution in the days ahead to help keep our elders, our families and the most vulnerable members of our community safe.”

In addition to the new cases, the council said, it’s aware that “multiple community members are respectfully self-isolating following numerous exposures to a positive case last week.

“Thank you to everyone who is making this important sacrifice to help keep Ross River safe.

“Council is concerned, however, that there are some individuals who are not following self-isolation guidelines after travelling outside of the territory.

“While this safety measure is no longer mandated by the territorial government, Ross River Dena Council is still asking community members to self-isolate for 14 days after travel if unvaccinated.

“While the vaccination rate in the Yukon may be over 80 per cent, the vaccination rate in Ross River remains under 50 per cent – still the lowest vaccination rate in the territory, and the highest risk of infection of any rural population.”

As well, 11 new positive cases were reported Thursday in Haines, Alaska, bringing the total up to 57.

All patients are symptomatic.

The mayor has conceded that the uptake may be related to the visitors the recent Southeast Alaska State Fair attracted.

Another case was reported in Skagway on Thursday.

“There is concern for community spread,” the city warned in a notice.

Last Monday, Canada began admitting vaccinated American motorists into the country – five days after the Yukon relaxed its masking, isolation, and restaurant/bar capacity requirements.