The Yukon is closing in on 500 active cases of COVID-19.

According to Dr. Catherine Elliott, the acting chief medical officer of health, every recent case that’s been documented by the Yukon government is of the Omicron variant.

“There are 471 active cases today,” Elliott said during today’s weekly COVID-19 briefing. “We are averaging 92 cases a day in recent days, and 77 per day overall.”

There have been 70 cases recorded in the last 24 hours. Every community in the Yukon has cases of COVID-19.

Two people are hospitalized with the virus, although their conditions weren’t revealed.

Since the government opened the Takhini Arena as a drive-through site for people to pick up rapid tests to be used at home, 1,400 kits have been handed out.

More are on the way, Elliott said. The kits are being handed out on an “honour” basis, and Elliott said she hoped people wouldn’t hoard them.

“Take the resources you need and no more,” she said.

Elliott added she believes Yukoners will do exactly that.

“Time and again, we’ve seen that,” although she provided no examples.

She reminded people the tests are very accurate for assessing whether you have COVID-19, but are less effective for determining whether you don’t.

False negatives are a problem, she said. Anyone showing symptoms should still consider self-isolation, even with a negative test result.

As well, Elliott reiterated anyone with symptoms should presume they have the virus rather than a cold or influenza.

An outbreak has been declared at the Copper Ridge long-term care facility, with two people testing positive.

“Despite all of our measures, the numbers continue to increase,” Elliott said, adding “many” Yukoners can expect to contract the virus.

Cases continue to occur between fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated people, she said, although she didn’t prove the percentage split.

Her figures suggest people with double vaccines are 50 per cent less likely to be seriously ill, while people who have received the third booster shot are 1/5th less likely to suffer severe infections and symptoms.

Elliott estimated the outbreak here in the Yukon is at least a week or two from peaking.

The territory is one week behind the situation in British Columbia, she said, and two weeks behind Ontario, so the numbers will increase.

Interestingly, the government is not asking people using the free at-home rapid test kits to report their results, nor is it planning on doing so.

Elliott said there are more than enough data to assess the overall situation without that information.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 rules on travel have changed.

Just before Christmas, Elliott recommended anyone returning from domestic travel outside the Yukon should self-isolate informally for three to five days by staying at home and reducing contacts, whether they had symptoms or not.

Now, Elliott is recommending that Yukoners returning from domestic travel monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and self-isolate when they are sick.

In a news release issued Tuesday evening, Elliott said this change is being made to reflect that COVID-19 activity is similar in the Yukon to that outside the territory.

The release stated, “Yukoners should use caution when travelling within Canada at this time. Many Canadian jurisdictions are experiencing higher case activity than at any other time during the pandemic and some are experiencing a strain on essential services such as transportation and health care

“If Yukoners choose to travel, they should familiarize themselves with the public health regulations, be prepared to show their proof of vaccination and accept that there may be challenges accessing services.”

Yukon communities remain at a significant risk from the current COVID-19 Omicron variant, the statement added.

Elliott continues to recommend against non-essential travel to the communities.

“Several First Nations governments and communities have travel advisories in place, so Yukoners are encouraged to check before making any travel plans.”

Elliott said, “the rapid rise of Omicron in the territory, across the country and around the world makes it unwise to travel for non-essential purposes right now.

“Travel increases your risk of getting COVID-19 due to an increase in potential and actual contacts and if you get sick and need hospital care, this puts an added burden on you, your family and the health care system at a time when most systems are stretched right now.

“Stay close to home and keep your contacts low,” she advised.

Fifteen Yukoners have died of COVID, though some had underlying health concerns as well.

A series of public exposure notices have also been issued by public health officials. They are:

• F.H. Collins Secondary School, Math 11 Foundations, Jan. 4;

• Elijah Smith Elementary School, Grades 6/7 split, Jan. 4, Jan. 5;

• Church of Nazarene Daycare, toddler group, Jan. 4, Jan. 5; preschool group, Jan. 4;

• Ecole Whitehorse Elementary School, Grade 1B, Jan. 5, Jan. 6; staff room, Jan. 4, Jan. 5, between noon and 12:30 p.m.;

• Jack Hulland Elementary School, Grade 3M, Jan. 5-7; staff room, Jan. 7, between 10 and 10:30 a.m.; and

• Petit Cheval Blanc, Les Renards group, Jan. 6.

Parents are advised to read the letter with instructions for them, guardians, the children attending the schools and the daycares, and staff.

See related story and letter.