Yukon officials say they're prepared to handle delta variant

Yukon will likely see more delta variant cases as the highly contagious COVID-19 strain sweeps across the country, according to the territory's acting chief medical officer.

"This will not be a surprise when it happens," Dr. Catherine Elliott told reporters Friday during a press conference on the status of the pandemic in the territory.  

Officials confirmed two delta variant cases this week. One person is a Yukoner, the other is from out of the territory. One of the people infected had to be transported to hospital. Both cases are contained and there are no exposure notices linked to them, according to officials.

Elliott said there could be more cases in the coming days, but contacts are self-isolating and the risk of transmission is "not present."

"We are ready for the delta variant," she said. "Although we have less room for error, we know we have the tools in place in order to keep ourselves safe and healthy with this variant."

The variant, Elliott said, will seek out the same people as the original strain of the virus — the unvaccinated and those whose immune systems are compromised. 

"We need to protect these people by getting vaccinated and by also making wise decisions in terms of how we interact," she said. 

"We have the knowledge, we have the partnerships, we are ready for the delta."

Three new COVID-19 cases were reported late Thursday. That brings the territory's total active case count to 50. 

"The rate of spread has declined and the numbers remain stable now," Elliott said.

'From pandemic to endemic'

More than 80 per cent of eligible adults have received both jabs.

On Friday, officials released a plan that seeks to gradually transition toward managing COVID-19 on an endemic level.

Called "Forging Ahead," the plan seeks to solidify partnerships with First Nations, increase vaccine uptake and bolster surge capacity as the territory enters a new phase of the pandemic.

"Forging Ahead highlights two overarching goals: protecting our vulnerable populations and enhancing Yukon's wellbeing," Premier Sandy Silver said. 

"We cannot overlook that COVID-19 has unequal impacts on different segments of the population, including women, young children and those with precarious or insecure housing."

Silver said targeted and flexible supports seek to replace public health restrictions. 

Officials say they're on track to repeal the state of emergency on Aug. 25. The state of emergency has been extended on a month-to-month basis since the early days of the pandemic. When it comes to an end, enforcement powers under the Civil Emergency Measures Act will cease.

"We are actively monitoring the situation here and in other jurisdictions as well," Silver said. "If the risk changes, we will adapt, as we have in the past, as necessary."