The Yukon is poised to enter phase three of its pandemic reopening plan on Aug. 1.

Dubbed “the new normal”, it will stay in place until a COVID-19 vaccine is available.

“If, as a community, we can all continue to stay vigilant, we can protect ourselves from the broad spread of COVID-19,” Premier Sandy Silver told a Wednesday afternoon media briefing.

“The pandemic is not over, and there are some important milestones yet to come.”

Silver provided the COVID-19 update without Dr. Brendan Hanley, the chief medical officer, for the first time since the pandemic began.

The premier did not provide many details about what the beginning of phase three will entail. He said more information will be available in the next two weeks.

He provided some numbers on border control since the Yukon entered phase two on July 1 and the border opened to B.C. and northern residents without isolation requirements.

So far this month, 1,587 B.C. residents have entered the territory; 1,130 Yukoners have returned home; and 1,627 people have transited through the territory.

The premier said the Emergency Coordination Centre has received 119 complaints from the public since July 1.

There is consideration of developing a system for marking vehicles with out-of-territory licence plates to show they are permitted to move freely in the territory.

“It’s not so much we hear from travellers that are being hassled, it’s more about there’s a big strain on the system,” Silver said.

Clearly marking vehicles that have been given the green light to move freely could alleviate the number of calls emergency co-ordinators receive, Silver said.

The Whitehorse Public Library will reopen to the public on July 21.

The library was ordered closed on March 18.

The library will have limited computer access and reduced seating. Staff will encourage visitors to use their own headphones at public computers and a hand sanitizer station at the entrance.

“I know this community resource has been missed by many, and it is a welcome return,” Silver said.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, many government employees will begin returning to offices in phases two and three.

At the height of restrictions, about 50 per cent of government employees were working from home. That number is now 34 per cent.

The staff required to return to the office will depend on operational needs and employee circumstances.

“Employees who will be returning can expect to have a conversation with their supervisor about the details of coming back into the workplace,” the release stated.

Employees can expect to see directional tape and signage on the floors and walls, as well as signage reminding of the six steps for staying safe.

Silver said the government is currently working on an early learning childcare plan.

“We recognize that affordable early learning childcare is essential to supporting families and ensuring we have a strong economy,” Silver said.

A more detailed announcement on the plan will happen soon, Silver said.

The government is considering a sliding scale model for childcare, based on what is offered in Quebec.

Providing early childcare was one recommendation of the Putting People First Report that was issued to the Department of Health and Social Services during the spring.

Silver briefly addressed the widespread criticism circulating around the government’s plan for the upcoming school year.

“We’re not facing a normal school year here; our government needs to determine how to get students in the classroom for as much time as possible,” Silver said.

The Yukon government released a student survey requesting feedback on distance learning on Wednesday morning.

Silver said his government will consider the experiences of students, but didn’t say whether the results will affect the school year plan.

“We’re always willing to consider input as we make these decisions,” Silver said.

“We hope and believe that we will do our best to make sure all students have the best opportunities.”