The chief medical officer is encouraging Yukoners to “lay low” after travel to B.C. as case numbers climb in the Vancouver region.

“We will not be changing our bubble with B.C., but I assure you: we will continue to monitor closely,” Dr. Brendan Hanley said Tuesday morning at the weekly COVID-19 briefing.

Last weekend, B.C. re-entered a state of temporary lockdown. All social gatherings have been barred for two weeks, as the province grapples with 998 new cases since Saturday.

Hanley urged Yukoners planning trips south to abide by all provincial safety guidelines. He urged those planning to visit B.C. for a wedding or a funeral to reconsider the trip.

“More than ever, we need to be as safe as possible, (and) this may mean delaying a trip,” Hanley said.

“Although we are in a bubble with B.C., we have to recognize that the risk of exposure to COVID is higher than it was during the summer months.”

He urged those travelling to the Vancouver area to take extra precautions – wearing a mask whenever recommended and practising the safe six.

Upon returning to the Yukon, Hanley recommended people lay low and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Those visiting with family who travelled to B.C. from other provinces should consider voluntarily self-isolating when they return to the territory.

Hanley also recommended Yukoners carefully consider making travel plans for the holidays.

“COVID doesn’t mean we can’t go home for the holidays, but in some cases, it is worth considering if this is the right time to travel,” Hanley said.

Travellers should avoid social gatherings and unnecessary outings, and try to stay with family while they’re on holiday from work or school.

The bubble with B.C. will remain open to minimize societal disruption, Hanley explained.

“Minimizing societal disruption is an equally important goal – we are always trying to look and relook and examine that right balance,” Hanley said.

“Having that open door, in a way, with B.C. is one of those ways to address that balance and maintain and promote societal functioning by having that stimulus to economic activity, by having the ability to visit and travel, by having easier flow of goods, by supporting aviation, there are so many factors as part of that package.”

Hanley said approximately 200 people enter the Yukon from B.C. every day. About half of those are Yukon residents returning home.

Some are travelling through B.C. from another jurisdiction with a self-isolation plan.

“There is a mix, but a large proportion is Yukoners who are going to B.C. and coming back again,” Hanley said.

“That places an onus on Yukon individuals to do the right thing.”