The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of Old Crow has issued its third emergency declaration in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The declaration was made on Nov. 11, at which time the conditions outlined in the emergency order came into effect.

The First Nation, for instance, has restated travel restrictions that will apply to those arriving in the northern Yukon village or leaving by air.

The emergency order says the First Nation will determine what travel is essential, and will review requests for travel to the community.

Chief Dana Tiyza-Tramm said Wednesday the First Nation has the authority under the emergency order to enforce the conditions set out in it, and there is a qualified COVID-19 co-ordinator in the community.

The co-ordinator has the authority under the order to request an immediate COVID-19 test, which they are capable of administering.

Tizya-Tramm told the Star said the test would be a rapid test, but would provide an indication of whether the individual was infected with the virus.

Studies have shown that people who have had their two vaccinations are still getting infected, he said.

Tizya-Tramm said he knows people who have tested positive but did not show any symptoms.

“This virus is changing so we have to change as well,” he said.

The community’s biggest influence on controlling the virus is at the airport, where staff can question arrivals and ask for proof or declarations that individuals have been vaccinated.

The emergency order also sets out requirements for Old Crow residents to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 amongst community members.

Individuals will also have to declare if they have not been vaccinated or if they have been in contact at any time in the previous 14 days with someone who has tested positive.

Community residents will have to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces on Vuntut Gwitchin settlement land.

Public gatherings can be held on the condition there is no confirmed cases of COVID in the community.

Households are restricted to have contact with only one other household – creating a bubble of two households.

As of Thursday morning, there were no active cases in Old Crow. There were seven other communities with no cases.

Old Crow did have three positive cases prior to the arrival of the vaccine, but was able to lock down the spread.

The chief said the community members have demonstrated their ability to minimize the spread, and he expects the same under the third emergency declaration should any new cases be detected.

Tizya-Tramm said he is confident the community can and will weather any community infection.

Given Old Crow is the Yukon’s only fly-in community, its remote location and small size, the community presents unique circumstances compared to other communities in the territory, he said.

Tizya-Tramm said Old Crow is amongst the most vulnerable communities in the Yukon.

Under the emergency declaration, the First Nation is imposing several other requirements visitors and locals will have to adhere to in Old Crow.

Those who arrive without the required proof will have to self-isolate for 14 days, for instance.

Tizya-Tramm said they’ve already refused people at the airport and have provided tickets for their return trip.