Dr. Hanley announces more new COVID-19 cases

Wednesday, 23 June 2021 13:17

By Dylan MacNeil

Dr. Hanley speaking at this morning's COVID-19 update. (Facebook - Government of Yukon)

He says we're past the initial rush of the outbreak but more infections can be expected.

At this morning’s COVID-19 update Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley announced that there are currently 103 active cases in the territory.

He also gave some insight into the numbers, which he says is a fluid situation. Since June first there have been 144 infections. 122 of them have been unvaccinated. Eight percent of the total cases have been people who are vaccinated. All have had fairly mild illness, except for one. They are an elderly person who is in hospital but stable. There have been five total hospitalizations with three currently in hospital. One is out of territory in intensive care.

Dr. Hanley said that we have moved past the initial rush of the current outbreak, but more cases can be expected.

“We want to find people who are infectious and isolate them and their contacts to prevent others from getting infected. Testing – We’re looking for cases in anyone with symptoms. That’s why we’re asking people to come forward who have symptoms and get tested. Especially those who are as yet, unvaccinated. That is who is mostly getting infection and then passing it on to others,” said Hanley.

Hanley says that COVID restrictions will not be put back in place, and summer camps will go ahead in the coming weeks and months. He says events can continue in a safe manner if organizers wish to.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill Joined Dr. Hanley and the premier at the update. They encouraged people to get vaccinated and follow public safety measures.

“Since the pandemic began, I know I’ve been missing things from my life. Things like traveling, hugs, and gatherings. And now that we’re in an outbreak situation, some of those things feel farther away than ever. The only way to turn that around, is for all, all to present a united front against this virus, “said Chief Bill

Dr. Hanley said that going forward, the new normal will mean outbreaks from time to time. The goal now is to get the youth vaccination rate over 80 percent.

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