By Canadian Press

Yukon asks for federal help as territory battles widespread transmission of COVID-19

Jun 30, 2021 | 2:27 PM

WHITEHORSE — Yukon’s chief public health officer says hospitals in the territory are reaching their limits during widespread community transmission of COVID-19.

Dr. Brendan Hanley says Yukon has the highest active case rate in the country and has asked the federal government for help in controlling the outbreak.

There are 10 new cases and one more death from COVID-19 in the territory and Hanley is urging residents to follow public health orders. 

He says the outbreak is being driven by the Gamma variant first identified in Brazil and is mostly affecting people between 10 and 29 years old. 

He says transmission should drop in the next couple of weeks if people stop socializing and limit gatherings to six people.

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There are 130 active cases in Yukon and three people have died since the outbreak started.

“We have a whole team of heroes working in the trenches right now and I can tell you they are tired,” Hanley said during a news conference Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2021. 

The Canadian Press