Omicron has arrived in the Yukon.

Dr. Catherine Elliott, the acting chief medical officer of health, made that announcement late this morning at the weekly COVID-19 briefing.

Elliott didn’t provide much in the way of details, other than to say the cases involve “two Yukoners in the Yukon.”

No mention was made as to how they acquired the new Omicron variant. Elliott said the cases were “contained” under more-stringent-than normal self-isolation requirements – but again, didn’t go into detail.

Elliott said she had considered it inevitable that Omicron would surface in the Yukon.

So far, little is known about the variant, which has approximately 50 mutations, with 30 of those along the spike protein that makes COVID-19 so relatively easy to acquire.

Elliott said early indications show Omicron to be potentially more infectious than the dominant Delta variant that has caused an outbreak here in the territory.

Nothing certain is known as to whether the existing vaccines, such as Moderna, will be adequate to fight it, Elliott said.

She and Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee also announced that every Yukoner over the age of 18 is now eligible for a booster shot starting immediately. That follows new recommendations from Canadian public health officials.

People can begin booking their booster shots immediately, with a proviso.

Next week, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, the clinic at the Whitehorse Convention Centre will be restricted to appointments for children only. No adults will be vaccinated.

McPhee and Elliott said that’s because vaccinating children from five to 11 is considered a higher priority.

There are currently 44 active cases in the Yukon, down from 50 earlier in the week.

Elliott said the territory is averaging eight cases a day, showing the “circuit breaker” created by new restrictions under the state of emergency is working.

Despite that, and some loosening of the restrictions last week, Elliott said the state of emergency will continue through the holidays and into the New Year.

She will be looking at the situation then and analyzing if new measures are warranted.

According to a news release that followed the briefing, “People in Whitehorse aged 18 and older are now able to book their booster shots at the Whitehorse Vaccine Clinic.

“In communities, some booster clinics are now open for people aged 18 and older and more clinics will be added in the coming weeks. All Yukoners aged 18 and over who are eligible to get a booster should be able to receive one before the end of January,” the release said.

“People are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster six months after they have completed their primary series, which is two doses for most people and three doses for people who are immunocompromised.”

The release also said the Pfizer vaccine is now recommended for people aged 18 to 29.

“Following recommendations from NACI and the Yukon’s acting chief medical officer of health, adults aged 18 to 29 will now be offered Pfizer (Comirnaty) for all doses, including their booster shots,” it said.

“This is due to a rare association with heart inflammation in young adults, mainly males.

“Adults who are 30 years of age and older will be offered Moderna (SpikeVax) for their booster shot.”

McPhee said in the statement vaccinations are “our best protection against COVID-19.

“As we prepare for the holiday season and reflect on this past year, I want to thank our front-line health care workers who continue to work so hard to and keep Yukoners safe,” she said.

“Between now and the end of January, please get your booster shot to continue to ensure you have the strongest protection against COVID-19 and to stop the spread of the virus in our territory.

“I ask all Yukoners to be patient when booking their appointments and to be kind to staff when they get their vaccines.”