COVID-19 self-isolation facilities and the local testing and assessment centre will be closed, the Yukon government has announced.

As well, its online COVID information “dashboard” will also be decommissioned.

The government has released Charting the Course: Living with and managing COVID-19, which includes next steps that will guide the Yukon’s ongoing response to the pandemic.

Last Thursday’s release came on the same day Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, stressed the importance of indoor masking as the triple threat of COVID, seasonal influenza and the childhood illness of RSV continues to ramp up in many parts of the country, overwhelming hospitals.

This morning, Ontario’s top doctor formally recommended that masks be worn in all public spaces, including schools and day cares.

“As the territory and the rest of the world continues to shift from an acute stage response to learning to live with COVID-19, Charting the Course outlines a sustainable approach to managing COVID-19 while protecting vulnerable populations and supporting Yukoners’ well-being,” the Yukon government said last Thursday.

“The updated approach reflects the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, including new variants that lead to less severe outcomes, the availability of safe and effective vaccines, high vaccination rates and the availability of treatments that lessen the severity of COVID-19.”

Effective last Thursday, the government changed its self-isolation guidance to align with other illnesses.

“Yukoners who have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 should continue to stay home while symptomatic,” it said.

“However, the requirement to isolate for a specified number of days has been removed. As a result of this change, self-isolation facilities will close on December 16, 2022.”

The COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre will close this Friday.

Testing is no longer routinely recommended for Yukoners with COVID-19 symptoms unless indicated by a health care provider in a clinical assessment.

“Confirmatory lab-based PCR testing remains available for those who need it for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes such as for access to Paxlovid,” the government said.

“Yukoners are encouraged to work with their health care provider, local health care centre or emergency department to discuss the need for testing and treatment.”

Yukoners can also call the Yukon HealthLine at 811 to access 24-hour health advice from registered nurses or use the self-assessment tool online to see if an assessment from a health care provider is required.

At-home rapid tests continue to be available. Yukoners can pick up at-home testing kits from participating locations across the territory.

“Regardless of taking a test or not, people are strongly encouraged to stay home if they are feeling sick,” the government said.

“The Paid Sick Leave Rebate program continues to help Yukoners prioritize their health and reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

The rebate for employers and people who are self-employed provides up to 10 days’ wages for workers who are sick with COVID-19.

“Some settings may continue requiring public health measures and isolation periods to protect vulnerable Yukoners,” the government said.

“This includes long-term care homes, health centres and Yukon hospitals. Yukoners are asked to respect public health measures in these locations as well as those in rural communities, businesses, organizations and other public settings.”

Vaccination remains the best way for Yukoners to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities from severe outcomes related to COVID-19, the government said.

“Vaccines and booster shots remain available throughout the territory. The government will continue to integrate the latest COVID-19 vaccinations into existing immunization programs throughout the territory.”

As part of the government’s shift toward “a more sustainable public health response,” the government said, the online COVID-19 dashboard will be decommissioned.

Historical data will remain available through the open data portal.

“Recognizing the success of the dashboard model, work is underway to develop a new public health information dashboard that will be available on Yukon.ca starting mid-December,” the government said.

Dr. Sudit Ranade, the chief medical officer of health, is also exploring new ways to support First Nations governments, municipalities and stakeholders with discussions, clinical guidance and advice relating to COVID-19 and other public health matters.

“For many months, we have been learning to live with COVID-19 as part of our everyday lives,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy Anne McPhee.

“Yukoners have done an exceptional job throughout the pandemic following public health guidance and doing their part by getting vaccinated. It’s now time to shift our response to ensure we have the tools we need to live with COVID-19 as part of our day to day lives.

“I encourage Yukoners to stay up to date on all vaccines and boosters, stay home when sick and respect each other’s personal health decisions as we learn to live with COVID-19.”

Ranade said the territory is “at the point in the pandemic where our public health response must shift to a more sustainable approach.

“We will accomplish this by integrating vaccines, testing and surveillance into our existing systems and channels while continuing to support the health and well-being of all Yukoners.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated and staying up to date on your boosters. It’s our best protection against the virus.

“If you have any questions about getting vaccinated, reach out to your health care provider to discuss your options,” Ranade advised.

Charting the Course: Living with and managing COVID-19 has been developed to replace Forging Ahead: The Yukon’s continuing response to COVID-19.

It considers the current COVID-19 situation locally, nationally and internationally.

Ranade will make recommendations to the government as needed.

The Public Health Emergency declaration remains in place so the government can respond quickly should a significant shift occur in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The declaration further maintains surge capacity by allowing Ranade to quickly acquire and mobilize operations including human resources, supplies and equipment.

Parents and caregivers can access updated stop light guidance to help determine whether a child should go to school, child care or return to regular activities.

Yukoners can pick up at-home testing kits from participating locations across the territory.