The Yukon’s chief medical officer of Yukon, Dr. Brendan Hanley, confirmed a new case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the territory’s case total to 26.

Both Hanley and Premier Sandy Silver addressed the new positive test at Thursday’s COVID-19 press briefing.

An investigation into the original source of exposure for this case is ongoing. Yukon Communicable Disease Control is leading this work and has been actively reaching out to all contacts.

“Our latest case number 26 had a number of public exposures in addition to numerous household contacts,” said Hanley. “This individual did not travel outside the territory and the source of infection has yet to be identified.

“In this case, we are again pleased that this individual did self-isolate and sought testing as soon as symptoms occurred. Contract tracing, clearly, is continuing.”

Public exposure notices have been issued for the following locations:

– Starbucks, Main Street, Whitehorse, Thursday, November 12 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, November 13 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

– Starbucks, Chilkoot Way, Whitehorse, Saturday, November 14 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

– Better Bodies, Whitehorse, Thursday, November 12 between 6:30 p.m. and closing Friday, November 13 between 6:30 p.m. and closing

– Diwali Festival, 120 Copper Road Whitehorse on Saturday, November 14, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

– Giorgio’s Cuccina, Whitehorse on Saturday, November 14, between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

– Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House in the SKKY hotel, on the Alaska Highway, Whitehorse on Saturday, November 14 between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

“For those who were at any of the mentioned locations, I ask that you please monitor for symptoms and if you are experiencing symptoms, you must stay home and arrange for testing immediately,” said Hanley.

“If you do go to get tested for symptoms, please mention the exposure location you were at.

“For the rest of us, it is important to reiterate, even more as we see rising cases, the importance it is to stay home and self-isolate and arrange for testing when you are feeling sick.”

Silver told Tuesday’s COVID-19 press briefing that the second wave is already affecting the Yukon and is at our doorstep. Hanley said he and his team knew it was coming and have been preparing for it.

“What we do from here though is definitely up to us. We should remember that there is so much that is in our control,” said Hanley.

“Follow the safe six, be patient, and stay calm.”

Silver said of the new positive case and the public notification that it’s not time for people to worry.

“I do want to say, now is not the time to panic. Public notification means that individuals that may have been in certain areas should self-monitor for symptoms,” said Silver.

“It doesn’t mean that the businesses or other facilities have done anything wrong or that there is any danger in any of these locations. I want everyone to stay vigilant and to stay calm.

“There is no need to go emptying grocery store shelves either.

“There is no need to spread rumours or misinformation about what is happening. Our health care system remains very well prepared for COVID-19 cases in the territory, including our capacity for testing and contact tracing.”

Silver said it is important that Yukoners remain vigilant.

“Yukoners: we are at a turning point,” he said.

“It is time to reset and collectively renew our commitment to practising the safe-six steps and staying safe. It’s not just doing it for yourself.”

The safe six are: keep your distance; keep your hands clean; Feel sick? Stay home; Avoid crowds; Travel with respect; and Self-isolate if necessary.

The symptoms that occur with COVID-19 are: fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.