The Yukon government is following in the footsteps of other Canadian jurisdictions in implementing stringent new COVID-19 controls on its public service and associated agencies.

The public will also be affected by new measures, brought in under the authority of the Public Health Act rather than under the Civil Emergency Management Act.

The measures were announced late this morning during a COVID-19 briefing by Premier Sandy Silver and the acting medical officer of health, Dr. Catherine Elliott.

They are being introduced as a result of rising COVID-19 number in the territory as the Delta variant has become entrenched.

“We are still in a public health emergency,” Silver said. “COVID-19 has spread ruthlessly and quickly. We have a duty to lead by example as the Yukon’s largest employer.”

Elliott called this a “pivotal moment” in the battle against the virus.

She said most of the community transmission remains amongst unvaccinated people, but more and more fully-vaccinated people are becoming infected as well.”

“The Government of Yukon will soon require all Yukon government employees and all frontline health care workers in the territory to be fully vaccinated,” stated a news release explaining the measures.

“Mandatory vaccination will apply to all public servants, including teachers, as well as those who work in hospitals, long-term care homes, medical clinics and allied health care settings.

“The requirement will also apply to all those non-government organizations funded by the Yukon government to provide services to vulnerable populations, as well as those in congregate living settings such as group homes, shelters and the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.”

The measures will take effect on Nov. 30, but more details are yet to be revealed as to how they will work, Silver told reporters in response to questions.

He and Elliott said Yukoners must double down on vaccinations. They’re looking for a vaccination rate of 90 per cent now to hopefully achieve herd immunity.

Currently, 85 per cent of adults in the Yukon are fully vaccinated.

Silver and Elliott said employees will have until Nov. 30 to receive two doses of vaccine.

The COVID-19 clinic at the Whitehorse Convention Centre was closed this week in favour of the influenza clinic. Elliott was questioned on the wisdom of that decision under the current circumstances.

She said “that’s not a helpful question,” and announced that starting on Monday, the vaccine clinic in Whitehorse will be open five days a week. She said vaccines are also available in all communities by contacting the local health centre.

Silver also announced that proof of vaccination will also soon be required to access non-essential services in the Yukon.

“All patrons of non-essential services, public events and participants in recreational activities, will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated,” the release said.

“This will not apply to youth recreational leagues for those under 12. This requirement will also come into place on Nov. 30, 2021.

Proof of vaccination will not be required to access essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, libraries or banks.

Elliott also announced several strong recommendations to cover the interim period until these new requirements come into effect:

• People who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to avoid non-essential services for 10 days after travel outside of the Yukon.

• Social gatherings should be limited to 20 people indoors and only if everyone is fully vaccinated, or a maximum of six if not fully vaccinated.

• All businesses, services and organized events are being asked to have an onsite operational plan.

“We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and as the territory’s largest employer, the Yukon government has a duty to lead by example and do our part to keep Yukoners safe,” Silver said in the release.

“We are committed to working together with our partners, businesses and organizations on the implementation of these new requirements to protect the health and safety of Yukoners,” the premier added.

“I can’t emphasize enough that vaccination remains the very best protection for yourself, your community and all those who are ineligible for vaccination,” Elliott said in the statement.

“I have recommended mandatory vaccination for health care workers both to offer the important protection for those most vulnerable to severe disease and to protect our health care workforce, and I support the government’s initiative to require  vaccine for  all public servants and those who support the vulnerable,” Elliott added.