Yukon seniors will remain mobile and commercial drivers can continue deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That became clear following the recent passage of a new Driver Medical Order, the Yukon government said Tuesday.

The ministerial order specifies affected drivers will not be penalized nor face licence suspensions if they cannot provide their medical examination certificate during the current state of emergency.

Commercial drivers can continue to provide their vital service to Yukon communities.

Meanwhile, drivers aged 70 years and older will not have restrictions placed on their mobility.

The exemption period, which began March 18, will end 90 days after the end of the state of emergency declared by the government.

“As we work to limit society’s exposure to COVID-19, we are uncovering real problems people face coping with this emergency,” said Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn.

“Commercial drivers need to provide their essential service and older Yukoners need to focus on their health as much as possible. This order accomplishes that.”

In mid-March, the Yukon Medical Association notified the government that non-essential, in-person care would be postponed until further notice.

Medical examinations for all classes of Yukon drivers were also postponed until after the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Affected drivers are still required to file their medical examination report with the motor vehicles office, but they will have until the end of the exemption period to provide it.

Any drivers who haven’t submitted their medical examination certificate by the end of the exemption period risk having their licences suspended or cancelled.