50 percent of the Yukon's recent COVID-19 infections are in fully vacinated people

Wednesday, 10 November 2021 12:44

By Dylan MacNeil

Dr. Elliott speaking at this morning's COVID-19 update. (screen shot from facebook.com/yukongov)

Dr. Elliott announced the percentage at a press conference this morning.

At a press conference this morning, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott said that 50 percent of recent COVID-19 infections in the territory have been in people who are fully vaccinated.

Dr. Elliott said that because some time has passed since a lot of people have had their second shot, immunity is waning.

“It is normal for vaccine immunity to wane over time,” Dr. Elliott said.

“Children for example, have five different times when they get various vaccines up to kindergarten. This is to boost the immune system. This is the medicine that teaches our immune system to react quickly and effectively should we become infected,” Dr. Elliott went on to say.

Dr. Elliott said that vaccines are still the best way to fight the virus and she is encouraging those 50 and older to get their booster shot. At the press conference she said the program will be expanded in the future to include more people and that everyone should get a booster when it’s their turn.

The territory is averaging 30 new cases of COVID a day, with the majority of infections in Whitehorse. Dr. Elliot said anyone about and about in the capitol should self monitor for symptoms.

Dr. Elliot said there are two active infections in Carcross, 22 in Carmacks, two in Dawson City, two in Haines Junction, one in mayo, one in Pelly Crossing, 14 in Watson Lake, and 108 Whitehorse.

“Please, I’m begging you, get vaccinated,” Premier Sandy Silver said at the same press conference.

Today, Silver announced that government employees who don’t get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by November 30 will be placed on leave without pay until they get their shots.

Silver also said the requirement for people to be fully vaccinated to access non essential services will now come in to affect this Saturday instead of the end of the month. A list of designated places where people will have to show proof they have been vaccinated is available on Yukon.ca.

Silver said the government is working on a free QR code reader app for businesses to check vaccination statuses.

The premier said he has heard about frontline health care workers who have been insulted, and verbally and physically abused by people who are angry about the new safety measures. He said that is unacceptable and not very “Yukon.”

“If you disagree with the policy, that’s fine. Take that up with me,” Silver said.

A state of emergency wad declared earlier this week in response to a spike in COVID-19 activity that Silver referred to today as “unprecedented.” The state of emergency brings safety measures like mandatory masks and limits on gathering sizes. Silver recommended that Yukoners follow the guidelines immediately, though they will be enforced under CEMA starting this Saturday.

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