This news release has been archived. View current Government of Yukon news.

# Yukon extending state of emergency to maintain response to COVID-19

Please note that the formatting of the list of repealed Ministerial Orders has been corrected.

The Government of Yukon is extending the state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA). The extension will allow the Ministerial Orders issued under CEMA to remain in place to continue to support and protect Yukoners, including the Health Protection Order.

Ministerial Orders issued under CEMA include a range of measures, such as health protections setting requirements for entry to Yukon, and mandatory self-isolation when applicable, along with other orders that extend benefits and protections related to economic impacts, such as landlord and tenant protections. The state of emergency and accompanying orders enable the government to adapt and respond rapidly to the pandemic and to keep pace with developments across Canada, with the aim to minimize risk and help Yukoners to manage through uncertainty.

The Government of Yukon regularly evaluates the need for the state of emergency and Ministerial Orders issued under CEMA and may repeal any that are no longer necessary to the current pandemic situation.

As of September 9, the following Ministerial Orders have been repealed:

- Self-Isolation Exception for Traditional Activities;
- Property Tax Relief;
- Remote Cannabis Sales;
- Virtual Commissioning, Signing and Witnessing; and
- the Amendment of Government Contract Provisions.

The Driver Medical Order, which temporarily exempted drivers who are 70 years of age or from having to submit a medical examination certificate, if required, will expire in 90 days.

All Yukoners can continue do their part in ensuring the health and safety of their family members, neighbours and communities by practising the Safe 6.

> We know that Yukoners are concerned about the continued possibility of importing COVID-19 to the territory. As a territory we have done well because we have worked together to protect the Yukon and guard against this pandemic. Nothing is more important than protecting the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners. Extending the state of emergency does not mean there is an increased risk to Yukoners at this time. The purpose of the extension is to ensure our government can continue to react quickly and to respond to the needs of Yukoners during COVID-19.

Quick facts

- A full list of the orders and legislative changes made under the Civil Emergency Measures Act can be found on Yukon.ca/changes-legislation-covid-19.

- Violations of the orders under the Civil Emergency Measures Act are an offence and are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

- While we wait for an effective treatment or vaccine, public health measures will remain in place to limit the risk of infection in Yukon.

- The six steps to staying safe are: physical distancing; regular hand washing; staying home when sick; not gathering in groups of more than 10 people indoors, or 50 outdoors, and keeping two metres apart; limiting travel to communities and self-isolating when required.

- From Wednesday, September 2, to Tuesday, September 8, 163 people were tested for COVID-19 at the Respiratory Assessment Centre in Whitehorse.

- The Government of Yukon has received 760 complaints:

  - Failure to self-isolate: 423
  - Gathers over 10 inside or 50 outside: 22
  - Failure to transit through Yukon in 24 hours or stay on their designated route: 291
  - Businesses failing to comply with Orders: 8
  - Failure to abide by declaration form or were not permitted entry into Yukon: 11
  - Other: 5

  There have been six charges laid under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

  A total of 42, 785 travellers have come into Yukon:

  - Resident travellers: 8,474
  - BC residents: 7,458
  - NWT residents: 205
  - Other approved jurisdictions: 575
  - Non-residents staying: 8,790
  - Non-residents transiting: 17,239
  - Other: 4

  Decals distributed indicating out-of-territory vehicles allowed in Yukon: 249

Media contact

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Aisha Montgomery
Community Services
867-333-1024
aisha.montgomery@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-252
Related information:
Civil Emergency Measures Act
Legislation changes for COVID-19
COVID-19 information