Revised - The Yukon’s two newest COVID-19 cases experienced mild symptoms and are recovering at home, according to the territory’s chief medical officer.

“Although I wish COVID on no one, occasional cases like these are what we expect to see as Yukoners venture outside the territory, whether inside or outside our bubble,” Dr. Brendan Hanley said during Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing.

The two individuals were travelling outside B.C. when they contracted the virus.

They began experiencing mild symptoms while self-isolating in the Yukon. Contact tracing began last Sunday and was completed on Monday, and there is no exposure risk to Yukoners.

“The mild symptoms that these cases experienced reminds us that most of the time, COVID is a mild infection,” Hanley said.

“But we know that every now and then, especially in people who are older or who have underlying health conditions, it can be severe or even fatal.”

Hanley said the cases should serve as a reminder to Yukoners about the importance of having a plan to self-isolate when preparing for travel.

“It is essential to take all the symptoms, no matter how mild, as an indicator that you need to stay home,” Hanley said.

“Don’t try to push through by going to work to finish whatever you’re working on, or continuing to run your errands.”

Hanley said his office is releasing a “traffic light model” for symptom monitoring.

Red light symptoms include fever, chills, cough or shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell. These symptoms should be taken seriously.

Yellow symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches. 

“If symptoms are not in the red category and improve within the timelines written in the guide, then you may be able to return to school, work or play,” Hanley said.

Travellers returning to the Yukon from within the bubble don’t need to self-isolate but should “lay low,” Hanley recommended.

That means avoiding unnecessary gatherings and taking the safe six seriously.

“Limiting your exposure and reducing your risk is vital to the well-being of all of us,” Hanley said.

He touched on the importance of receiving a flu shot this year.

“As influenza and COVID have very similar presentations, we really would like to keep influenza out of Yukon as much as possible this year,” Hanley said.

Flu shot clinics will start next Monday, and Yukoners can make flu shot appointments with pharmacists. They will also be available via drop-in at the Yukon Convention Centre.

Residents of continuing care facilities will be provided with high-dose flu vaccinations.

Meanwhile, another person has been charged for failing to self-isolate, Premier Sandy Silver said Wednesday. That brings the total number of charges to 19.

The premier urged Yukoners to continue reporting suspected violations to enforcement officers.

The RCMP are investigating an incident that occurred early last Friday morning in Haines Junction. An American man passing through the territory to take a military position in Alaska had his family’s vehicle window smashed.

“Nothing was stolen from the vehicle and nothing that could have been used to damage the vehicle was located,” police told the Star Thursday afternoon.

“There are no suspects at this time, but the investigation is continuing.”

Silver said he would like to see less animosity toward travellers.

“I was very disappointed to hear of the American travellers who had the window of their vehicle smashed in at their hotel en route to Alaska this week,” Silver said.

“I understand that people are anxious and want to keep their friends and family safe, absolutely.

“It is also extremely stressful to have to travel long distances through different jurisdictions during the pandemic, and as we move into winter, travel is becoming more challenging and it is also more important than ever that we are patient, kind and respectful.”