Service Group Community

YG Education guides for virtual learning. ZOOM meeting sign-up Taking IT Global Educational Videos https://videos.createtolearn.ca/ Connected North https://connectednorth.org/athome/ Lets Talk Science https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-home Building a lesson Plan https://catlintucker.com/2020/03/designing-an-online-lesson/ Teaching a practical subject https://teachingwoodwork.com/teachers/teaching-a-practical-subject-remotely-online/?fbclid=IwAR1_zp-NoKctzt5Fwwl6YTwsv-PVIIE1PKrPpFSKO7QAIYn-mwtThiGQI8c Be Creative Stay Fit - while in isolation https://www.weareteachers.com/virtual-pe-classes/ https://www.pecentral.org/websites/kidsites.html https://thephysicaleducator.com/ Read https://www.storylineonline.net/?fbclid=IwAR2yx0fHI56TrqGx_disKyVOMGA3V6q6i5ZTo8AcGo1ezZ1-2e8zyBXJOwU

ADVOCACY & INFORMATION COUNCIL OF YUKON FIRST NATIONS (CYFN) 2166 2nd Ave. Protects and advances rights, titles and interests of First Nations holding traditional territories in the Yukon. 867-393-9200 www.cyfn.ca JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE Council of Yukon First Nations 2166 2nd Ave. Aims to ensure First Nations children can access all public services. The government of first contact pays for service and resolves jurisdictional/payment disputes later. The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) is the service coordinator of this program. Toll-free: 1-833-393-9200 www.cyfn.ca/services/jordansprinciple/ RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD & TENANCIES OFFICE 1st floor, 307 Black St. Provides information for landlords and tenants on the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and provides access to dispute resolution services. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Toll-free: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5944 or 867-667-5944 email: rto@gov.yk.ca YUKON ANTI-POVERTY COALITION 509 Hanson St. Facilitates the elimination of poverty in the Yukon through awareness, advocacy and action. 867-334-9317 for information and hours. www.yapc.ca YUKON COUNCIL ON AGING – SENIOR’S INFO CENTRE 4061B 4th Ave. Serves as a non-profit advocacy group for Yukoners 55+, lobbying for better living conditions and communicating information about benefits and issues for seniors. Offers a Seniors’ Home & Yard Maintenance Program, providing a pool of security-screened workers to assist seniors, elders and persons with disabilities with normal maintenance jobs at affordable rates. Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm. Toll-free: 1-866-582-9707 or 867-668-3383 www.ycoayukon.com YUKON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION #215-305 Main St. Offers legal clarity on issues of discrimination and can support individuals who would like to file complaints under the Yukon Human Rights Act. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Toll-free: 1-800-661-0535 or 867-667-6226 accepts collect calls. www.yukonhumanrights.ca THE TEEN PARENT CENTRE (TPC) 1001B Lewes Blvd. Provides centralized services to support young mothers in completing their high school education. These include an onsite daycare, classroom and teachers, and a Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program. Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. 867-667-3421 867-335-3609 (cell) teenparentcentre@gmail.com WHOLE CHILD PROGRAM Takhini Elementary School 526 Range Rd. A school-based family support and recreation program which offers free and confidential support as well as activity evenings. 867-335-2283 wcpyukon@gmail.com CLOTHING CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 2111 Centennial St. Offers free clothing. 1st and 3rd Saturday 10am to 12pm. 867-633-4903 www.whitehorsenazarene.org CHILDREN & FAMILY SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF YUKON (BGCY) 306A Alexander St. Provides school-age, parent and young adult programs. The Learning Tree Daycare Centre (located at 95 Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale 867-393-2824 ext.206) hosts Toddler and Pre-school programs Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm. Financial support is available for all BGCY programs. 867-393-2824 www.bgcyukon.com CANADA GAMES CENTRE 200 Hamilton Blvd. Offers a wide range of active child and family seasonal programs and drop-in activities. Drop-in rates include access to all drop-in activities for a day. 867-667-4386 www.whitehorse.ca/cgc CHILD AND YOUTH FAMILY TREATMENT TEAM 211 Hawkins St. Provides a full spectrum of services to meet the needs of children, youth and families in the territory. These services include early intervention, crisis management, assessment, counselling, family therapy and case management for children and youth experiencing mental wellness or substance use challenges. Services include individual counselling, group programs and outreach. 867-456-3838 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 1000 Lewes Blvd. Works with families and community members to provide therapeutic services and meet the developmental needs of all Yukon children from birth to 5 years of age. Services are free and confidential. Monday to Thursday 8am to 4:30pm, Fridays 8am to 4pm. Closed mid-June to mid-August. Toll free: 1-866-835-8386 or 867-456-8182 info@cdcyukon.ca www.cdcyukon.ca Kwanlin Dün: 867-633-7820 Watson Lake: 867-536-5254 Dawson City: 867-993-3028 FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES/CHILD PROTECTION 4114 4th Ave. Provides support, assistance and counselling for parents and families. Investigates and addresses instances of child abuse and neglect. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Toll-free: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 3002 or 867-667-3002 After hours emergency number: 867-667-3002 www.hss.gov.yk.ca INUIT CHILD FIRST INITIATIVE Indigenous Services Canada, 100 Elijah Smith Building, 300 Main St. Ensures Inuit children have access to the essential government funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Toll-free: 1-866-848-5846 sac.principedejordanrn-nrjordansprinciple.isc@canada.ca JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE Council of Yukon First Nations, 2166 2nd Ave. Jordan’s Principle ensures that all First Nation children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs. Toll-free: 1-833-393-9200 or 867-393-9200 www.cyfn.ca Families can also contact Indigenous Services Canada directly with requests for Jordan’s Principle at Toll-free: 1-866-848-5846 sac.principedejordanrn-nrjordansprinciple.isc@canada.ca KIDS RECREATION FUND (KRF) Sport Yukon, 4061 4th Ave. Helps families experiencing financial hardship with the cost of registration fees and equipment for children to participate in organized sport, art, cultural, social and recreational programs. 867-668-4236 news@sportyukon.com www.sportyukon.com MAMANS, PAPAS ET BÉBÉS EN SANTÉ Centre de la francophonie, 302 Strickland St. Des services en français gratuits durant la grossesse et la période postpartum. Lundi et mercredi de 9 h à 16 h et vendredi de 9h à 11h. 867-668-2663 poste 820 www.lesessentielles.ca Partners for Children TA’AN KWÄCH’ÄN COUNCIL - FAMILY SUPPORT 117 Industrial Rd. Provides a Family Support Worker to help Ta’an families through a variety of services, including liaising between families and Family and Children Services, court support, referral to counselling and/or treatment, information on activities for families in Whitehorse, and pre/post-natal support. 867-668-3613 ext. 405 THE TEEN PARENT CENTRE (TPC) 1001B Lewes Blvd. Provides centralized services to support young mothers in completing their high school education. These include an onsite daycare, classroom and teachers, and a Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program. Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. 867-667-3421 teenparentcentre@gmail.com WHOLE CHILD PROGRAM Takhini Elementary School 526 Range Rd. A school-based family support and recreation program which offers free and confidential support as well as activity evenings. 867-335-2283 wcpyukon@gmail.com COUNSELLING SUPPORT & INFORMATION AL-ANON/ALATEEN Provides support groups and services for family and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon is for adults; Alateen is for youth. 1-604-688-1716 www.bcyukon-al-anon.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Provides regular meetings and support for those who wish to stop drinking. 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Toll-free: 1-888-453-0142 ALL GENDERS YUKON Provides an apolitical, confidential support group for transgender, two-spirited, non-binary and intersex individuals and their loved ones. Provides connections for those exploring gender identity or expression, or seeking to connect with the gender diverse community of Yukon. allgendersyukon@hotmail.com AUTISM YUKON 108 Copper Rd. Provides education, support and new diagnosis meetings for individuals on the Autism spectrum, as well as for those who care for and help them. Parents, educators, health professionals and anyone else looking for support are welcome to call for an appointment. 867-667-6406 www.autismyukon.org BETTER TO KNOW Provides free information about sexual health, relationships, drugs and alcohol. Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Toll-free: 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367) www.bettertoknow.yk.ca CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, YUKON DIVISION 415 Baxter St. Provides free counselling to individuals, couples and youth. Programming and services include: drop-in counselling on Tuesday afternoons, Living Life to the Full (an 8 week CBT program), a mental health caregivers’ support group and workplace mental wellness programming. 1-867-668-6429 admin@yukon.cmha.ca www.yukon.cmha.ca CENTRE DE RESSOURCES PARTENARIAT COMMUNAUTÉ EN SANTÉ Centre de la francophonie, 302 rue Strickland. Présente des ressources en français sur des sujets relatifs à la santé, incluant aussi la possibilité d’emprunter des trousses en promotion de la santé pour la petite enfance par les membres (gratuit). Le PCS produit aussi un répertoire des professionnels et professionnelles bilingues de la santé qui est disponible au bureau du PCS et en ligne. Le centre de ressources en santé est ouvert du lundi au vendredi, de 9h à 17h. 867-668-2663 ext. 800 www.francosante.org CHRYSALIS ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORK COUNSELLING LINE Provides free, confidential phone support services for people who work in the sex trade or who have been trafficked for the purposes of forced commercial sex or labour. 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Toll-free: 1-866-528-7109 HOSPICE YUKON 409 Jarvis St. Provides support and programs to individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness, death and grieving. Monday to Friday 11:30am to 3pm. 867-667-7429 www.hospiceyukon.net INCLUSION YUKON #7 Yukon Inn Plaza 4230 4th Ave. Supports adults, teens and children with intellectual disabilities and their families through formal advocacy and public education and awareness. The office provides: direct one-on-one services, supported employment, sexual health and social skills training, and supports teens through transitions out of high school. Monday to Friday 10 am to 3:30 pm. 867-667-4606 www.inclusionyukon.org JACKSON LAKE WELLNESS TEAM 21 McCrimmon Rd. Provides aftercare support (cultural and spiritual) to people who have attended the Land Based Healing Program, which runs each summer. Assists individuals, families and communities on their healing journeys and assists during family or community crisis as needed. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 867-633-2629 www.kwanlindun.com/justice LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF YUKON (LDAY) 128A Copper Rd. Increases awareness of learning differences, and supporting children, youth and adults with learning difficulties or disabilities. LDAY provides leadership through advocacy, education, programs and services. Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm. 867-668-5167 www.LDAYukon.com MAMANS, PAPAS ET BÉBÉS EN SANTÉ Centre de la francophonie, 302 rue Strickland. Des services en français gratuits durant la grossesse et la période postpartum. Lundi et mercredi de 9 h à 16 h et vendredi de 9h à 11h. 867-668-2663 poste 820 www.lesessentielles.ca NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Provides regular meetings and support groups to help each other abstain from alcohol and drugs. Everyone is welcome. Fridays 7pm to 8:30pm at Yukon Employees’ Union, 2285 2nd Ave. Wednesdays and Sundays 7pm to 8:30pm at BYTE Office, 404A Ogilvie St. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Provides regular meetings and support groups to help each other abstain from overeating. Sundays, 7pm at 509 Hanson St. oayukon@gmail.com SENIORS’ SERVICES/ADULT PROTECTION UNIT #100-204 Black St. Provides information and advocacy to the aged, disabled and their supporters on protective tools to retain their autonomy. 867-456-3946 TAO-TEL-AIDE Service d’écoute active, de soutien et de références aux personnes de tous âges. Anonyme et confidentiel disponible 365 jours, 24/24. Ligne d’écoute –1-800-567-9699 VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA Provides client-centred services and benefits for Canadian veterans. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122 VETERANS COUNSELLING AND CRISIS LINE Health Canada counselling/crisis line for CAF members, staffed by professional psychologists with specific training around suicide and military-related traumas. 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Toll-free: 1-800-268-7708 WOMEN OF WISDOM Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, 3159 3rd Ave. Runs bi-weekly on Thursdays from 6pm to 8:30pm and occasionally offers 2-day groups. Open to all women. 867-633-7696 LIARD ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S SOCIETY Watson Lake Provides social development services for the Kaska Nation in Yukon and northern BC. 867-536-2097 lawsadmin@northwestel.net www.liardaboriginalwomen.ca DROP-IN CENTRES A SAFE PLACE Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, 503 Hanson St. Provides a low-barrier drop-in program offering food, support and activities for women. Low barrier means women who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are welcome to access this service. All self-identified women and their children (including boys under the age of 16 years old) are welcome at A Safe Place. Showers available. Friday to Sunday 5pm to 8pm. 867-667-2693 safeplace@vfwomenscentre.com BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF YUKON (BGCY) 306 Alexander St. Provides a drop-in program, hot meals and a safe and supportive atmosphere for youth ages 11 to 18. A membership to BGCY is a small annual fee which gives each young person access to meals, programs and a shower. Financial support is available for all BGCY programs. Additional supports for children, young adults and families are also available. Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to 9pm. 867-393-2824 COMMITTEE ON ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS SOCIETY (CAIRS) 4194A 4th Ave. Offers a wide range of support services and referrals for those individuals who have been affected by residential schools. Call for hours. 867-667-2247 FAMILY LITERACY CENTRE (FLC) 2nd Floor, Canada Games Centre, 200 Hamilton Blvd. Promotes the development of literacy and related life skills through free fun programs for multigenerational family members. Monday to Friday 12:30pm to 3pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. GOLDEN AGE SOCIETY 4061A 4th Ave. Provides a gathering space for seniors 55+ to socialize, participate in activities, and promote, support and advance cultural, recreational, athletic and charitable activities in the Yukon. Membership is $22 per year. Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm. 867-668-5538 www.yukon-seniors-and-elders.org SKOOKUM JIM FRIENDSHIP CENTRE 3159 3rd Ave. Offers a wide variety of programming including Women of Wisdom, Youth Employment Centre, ASETS, After-School Tutoring and the NWT Post-Secondary Program. Call the centre or visit the website for information on Youth Diversion, Prenatal Nutrition, Traditional Parenting, and a Family Support Worker. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 867-633-7680 www.skookumjim.com SECOND OPINION SOCIETY (SOS) 307 Strickland St. A drop-in centre for those interested in holistic approaches to mental health that offers peer support, workshops, recreational activities, information and advocacy. Free internet and library. Monday to Friday 1pm to 6pm. 867-667-2037 www.second-opinion.ca VICTORIA FAULKNER WOMEN’S CENTRE 503 Hanson St. A friendly space for all women that provides assistance with legal aid, housing and employment opportunities. Provides internet, showers, library and laundry. Free Rural Pregnant Mom’s Suite available, first come, first served. Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm. 867-667-2693 WHITEHORSE EMERGENCY SHELTER 405 Alexander St. Provides a warm, low-barrier environment for those in need. Harm reduction supplies, support, showers, meals and more are provided. Call for hours. 867-455-2820 WHITEHORSE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1171 Front St. Provides free use of internet, DVDs, CDs, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks, e-books, large-print and French books. Programming for all ages. Free library card with proof of Yukon residency. Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm. 867-667-5239 www.ypl.gov.yk.ca YOUTH DROP-IN: KIDS CLUB Canada Games Centre, 200 Hamilton Blvd. Provides activities including arts and crafts, table tennis, guest speakers, sports and games. Entry is free. Please go directly to the Kids Club to sign-in. Preteens, ages 9-12: Fridays and Saturdays 6pm to 8pm. Teens, ages 13-17: Fridays and Saturdays 8pm to 10pm. YOUTH OF TODAY SOCIETY (YOTS) 404C Ogilvie St. A youth centre for ages 15 to 30 that provides a range of programming including a safe drop-in space, healthy meals, laundry, shower, clothing distribution and different training and development programs. Monday to Friday 3pm to 8pm. Dinner served at 5pm. 867-633-9687 www.youthoftodaysociety.com YUKON LEARN SOCIETY 2158B 2nd Ave. Provides free adult literacy programs and services, access to computers and internet, one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, computer courses and access to resources for a $5 annual membership. Ages 16 and up. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Toll-free: 1-888-668-6280 or 867-668-6280 www.yukonlearn.com ASSOCIATION FRANCO-YUKONNAISE (AFY) 302, rue Strickland Vaste gamme de services dans les domaines de l’aide à l’emploi, de la formation, de l’orientation et de l’alphabétisation à l’intention des francophones offerte au Centre de la francophonie. De lundi au vendredi de 9 h à 17 h. 867-668-2663 www.afy.yk.ca CHALLENGE DISABILITY RESOURCE GROUP 1148 Front St. Delivers and facilitates the EmployAbilities Skills Training Program for people with disabilities and barriers to employment. Provides job coaching, employer supports and community-inclusion supports. There are three social enterprises for employment including Bridges Catering and the Ledge Cafeteria. 867-668-4421 www.challengedrg.org COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS YUKON 1000 Lewes Blvd. (In the back lot) A Technical Work Experience Program offers 6-month internship positions twice a year for young adults between the ages of 15 to 30 who have graduated high school. Accepted applicants will gain hands-on experience fixing used computers and installing operating systems. Send your resume to admin@cfsy.ca www.cfsy.ca EMPLOYMENT CENTRAL #202-204 Black St. Provides free job search services including a job board, employment counselling, workshops, access to computers, fax, phone and photocopier to facilitate entry into the workforce. Assists clients seeking funding for school and targeted wage programs. Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm. 867-393-8270 www.employmentyukon.ca EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE 125 Elijah Smith Building, 300 Main St. Assists with temporary financial assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm. Toll-free: 1-800-206-7218 www.servicecanada.gc.ca EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES UNIT (ETS) #100-204 Black St. Provides employment, training and support services to individuals 18 years of age and older facing barriers towards employment. Referrals are accepted from applicant (self-referral) and/or referring agency. Support is provided to those who identify as having a significant employment-related barrier and who are currently, or have received, social assistance from any social assistance administration in the Yukon in the past 3 years. 867-667-8760 GOVERNMENT OF CANADA JOB BANK Provides electronic job board with local and national employment posts. www.jobbank.gc.ca YOUTH EMPLOYMENT CENTRE Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, 3159 3rd Ave. Helps young adults between the ages of 15 to 30 with resume and cover letter writing, job search, work gear, work placement subsidies, and training including Standard First Aid, Food Safe and more. Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm. 867-633-7694 YOUTH OF TODAY SOCIETY (YOTS) 404C Ogilvie St. Provides different training and development programs through the drop-in centre. Open to ages 15 to 30. Monday to Friday 3pm to 8pm. 867-633-9867 www.youthoftodaysociety.com YUWIN (YUKON WORK INFORMATION NETWORK) Offers an online employment resource for employers and job seekers. Employers of all kinds, including private businesses, First Nation and municipal governments, and community organizations, advertise their jobs free of charge. www.yuwin.ca KLONDIKE OUTREACH 853 3rd Ave., Dawson City Provides services including a job board and website, computer access, assistance in resume and cover letter writing, interview help and information and assistance in applying for various Yukon government-funded employment programs. 867-993-5176 info@klondikeoutreach.com www.klondikeoutreach.com WATSON LAKE COMMUNITY OUTREACH 714 Adela Trail, Watson Lake Provides career planning, employment services, help with writing a resume and job search tools. 867-536-7322 wloutreach@northwestel.net www.wlemployment.com

Information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for Yukoners Find reliable information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Yukon and Canada. https://yukon.ca/en/updates#current-situation Coronavirus updates Updates on COVID-19 from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health March 22, 2020 – Update on COVID-19 Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 cases As of today, March 22, at 7 p.m. there are 2 cases of COVID-19 in Yukon. COVID-19 test results Yukon is now seeing a faster turnaround time on COVID-19 test results. By early this coming week, the number of completed tests on Yukon.ca will be updated 3 times a week. Non-essential travel outside of territory and into rural Yukon In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to protect Yukon’s most vulnerable citizens, Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises the suspension of all non-essential travel into and out of Yukon. All Yukoners planning to return home in the next 30 days are advised to return now. In view of the need to protect remote areas with limited medical resources, Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises the suspension of any non-essential travel to Yukon’s rural communities, Self-isolation required for all travellers DRAFTJS_BLOCK_KEY:ep570Information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for Yukoners Find reliable information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Yukon and All Yukoners returning home and all visitors to the territory are required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes anyone returning home from other provinces and territories by road or air, as well as Yukoners returning home by road from Alaska. We are putting mechanisms in place to monitor and ensure travellers are self-isolating. If you cannot safely self-isolate at home, email  covid19info@gov.yk.ca  for information and advice. All Yukoners who return home and have respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, or difficulty breathing) are asked to phone 811 to get advice on COVID-19 testing. Restaurants and bars Restaurants must immediately reduce their seating capacity to 50%, space people 2 metres apart, and prepare to offer take-out and delivery service only as of opening on March 26. As of closing time tonight, March 22, all bars must close until further notice. All personal service establishments must close by end of day, Wednesday, March 25. This includes hair salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, nail salons, and massage therapists. Gatherings Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. Smaller gatherings should ensure spacing of 2 metres between people. Yukoners should not attend any soci al gatherings, even those with fewer than 10 people if: you have any flu-like symptoms at all; you are over 65 years of age or have an underlying health condition; or you work in healthcare, a healthcare facility or other essential services. March 19, 2020 – Health supports, hospitals and child care programs Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 cases As of today, March 20, at 9:30 a.m. there are no cases of COVID-19 in Yukon. COVID-19 test results Yukon is now receiving COVID-19 test results back from BC more quickly. For now, we will be publishing how many tests have been completed on Yukon.ca on a weekly basis. Information about first cases would be shared with Yukoners as soon as possible. Hospital visits Whitehorse General Hospital will suspend all scheduled, non-urgent surgery procedures from Monday, March 23, 2020. They will continue to provide surgical care for urgent and emergency cases. Anyone with an appointment will be contacted individually by the hospital to let them know and to help them with any questions. Yukoners may also be aware that no visitors are allowed at the territory’s three hospitals with limited exceptions. Screening is in place at all hospitals, asking anyone coming to hospital about the reason for their visit, symptoms and travel history. Child care programs Day cares and child care centres do not need to close. Child care programs are considered to be an essential service that should remain in place as long as possible. They provide access to social supports particularly for vulnerable children and families and for parents who are themselves providing essential services to help keep Yukoners safe. Daycare operators have been briefed on safe social distancing measures within a daycare environment. 811 changes coming In the coming day or so, people calling 811 for COVID-19 advice will have two options: they will be able speak to the Public Health Agency of Canada; or if they have COVID-19 symptoms and have travelled internationally within the last 14 days, or if they have symptoms and have come in contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19, they can speak to staff at Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC). The symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. People can also still call 811 for non-COVID-19 health advice in the usual way. Self-assessment tool Yukoners are reminded that they can now access an online self-assessment tool on  Yukon.ca/novel-coronavirus  if they have concerns about COVID-19. Information on Yukon.ca continues to be expanded to provide support for Yukoners. Yukon.ca is the central place to find information about the territory’s response to COVID-19. Respiratory assessment centre As announced on Thursday, March 19, the Government of Yukon is setting up a respiratory assessment centre in Whitehorse for people with acute respiratory illness such as influenza or COVID-19 who need medical assessment. March 18, 2020 – Chief Medical Officer of Health declares public health emergency Dr. Brendan Hanley, Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, today declared a public health emergency under section 4.3 of the  Public Health and Safety Act. This declaration enables the Chief Medical Officer of Health to respond more quickly to the rapidly changing situation and to ensure the health and safety of Yukoners. The public health emergency will be in effect until further notice. This declaration comes with new public health measures aimed at protecting Yukoners and limiting the spread of COVID-19: Classes are suspended at all Yukon public schools until April 15, or until further notice. All public indoor recreational facilities are required to close until further notice. This includes the Canada Games Centre, ice rinks, and recreation centres. All three Yukon hospitals are closed to visitors, with limited exceptions. Libraries are closed until further notice. March 16, 2020 – Updates on travel and mass gathering Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is telling all individuals who have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days to self-isolate. This includes travel to Alaska. Individuals who have travelled outside of Yukon in the last 14 days, or who are feeling sick, are banned from visiting hospitals. Long-term care facilities are closed to visitors and volunteers, unless family members are at the end of life or gravely ill regardless of travel. These restrictions are accompanied by several others including the following: Mass gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, including at houses of worship. Parents or caregivers who are able to keep their children home from spring break daycamps, or daycare, are requested to do so. Fewer children in camps or daycares will help to limit any spread. People who can work from home are requested to do so. Employers are asked to look for ways to support employees to work from home where possible. Many of us are interested in how COVID-19 is spread from one person to another.  As an emerging disease, there are many uncertainties about its characteristics.  The information that we communicate today is the best knowledge at this time.  This knowledge does change and get out of date rapidly, and we are keeping updated and adjusting our response accordingly. We must all be cautious and patient as the information changes. Current evidence supports that the main route of COVID-19 spread is from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The risk of transmission is believed to be highest when the person is most symptomatic. However recent evidence and modeling suggests that transmission may occur prior to symptoms being present.  Major uncertainties remain in the role that asymptomatic transmission may play in the spread of COVID-19. At this time in Yukon, we are recommending self-isolation for all travelers from international destinations, even those without symptoms.  This precautionary measure is important as we are working with an illness that is not fully understood. All people returning from international travel should self-isolate for 14 days.  This means that they should stay home or in the outdoors where they can be 2 metres away from other people. See the Government of Canada webpage for  more information . We are asking all people throughout Yukon to do their part to keep Yukon healthy.  Please continue to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Please be especially considerate of people over 65 years old and people who have underlying medical conditions who are at highest risk of severe complications of respiratory infections including influenza and COVID-19. Persons who are returning from travel outside Canada and have any cough or sensation of fever, even mild, should consider themselves infectious and be extra cautious with their self-isolation and distancing from those at highest risk of severe infection.  In that case please self-isolate and call YCDC at 867-667-8323 or 1-800-661-0408 ext. 8323. The situation with COVID-19 is fluid and we continue to upd ate our guidance based on the latest information.  We will continue to provide the public regular updates as the situation continues to evolve. Yours in health, Dr. Catherine Elliott, MD FRCPC March 11, 2020 – Coronavirus updates There have been many questions from Yukoners today who attended, live closely with, or work with someone who attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto from March 1 to 4, 2020. Yukoners who attended the conference may have been exposed to COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, fever or shortness of breath. If you don’t have these symptoms, then you can go about your regular day-to-day activities. This includes attending work, classes, events and other activities. However, if you develop any of the symptoms listed above, then please stay home and contact Yukon Communicable Disease Control at 1-867-667-8323 to arrange for testing. It is important to remember people who have no symptoms cannot pass COVID-19 on to others. It is normal for people to be afraid of contagious diseases. We all want to protect our families, friends and communities. However, fear can cause us to make unwise decisions like spreading misinformation, or hoarding food and medications. Please remember that the risk of COVID-19 infection for Yukoners remains low, and the majority of individuals who contract the disease will have mild symptoms. We will continue to provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Yours in health, Dr. Catherine Elliott, MD FRCPC March 7, 2020 – Cancellation of 2020 Arctic Winter Games It is out of an abundance of caution that today, as the Chief Medical Officer of Health, responsible for public health in Yukon, I have recommended the cancellation of the 2020 Arctic Winter Games that were scheduled to be held here in Whitehorse beginning next week. I am making this recommendation out of concern for the health and safety of Yukoners, of all athletes and delegates and for their home communities throughout the circumpolar North. COVID-19 is a contagious disease that spreads from person to person rapidly through respiratory secretions. In a setting like the Arctic Winter Games, where people are sleeping, eating and playing together in such close quarters, the potential to spread is amplified greatly. Even in the absence of COVID-19 here, a single suspected case would have serious impacts. For example, a person with a cough who has travelled to the games would need to be tested and isolated while awaiting results. The necessity for rapid and rigorous public health response, for the individual, for the contacts, diagnosis and isolation while waiting for even a negative result, the potential for fear, concern here and throughout the North, these would be challenging in the setting of Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. The possibility of importation of the disease is changing and raises much uncertainty. While there is no case of COVID-19 in Yukon, other places are seeing community spread with no explanation of how or why. We have been surprised by cases in BC, Alberta and Washing ton State that have no links to diagnosed cases nor travel history to affected areas. The global spread of COVID-19 has been faster and more uncertain than many of us have expected and we must take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, our citizens and others. In Yukon, we are already responding to the potential threat of COVID-19. We are taking advantage of this time when the risk is low to mobilize our public health response and our preparedness for potential impacts on acute care services. We are actively monitoring for cases, leveraging existing influenza surveillance systems. We are ready to ensure excellent medical care in a way that protects the health of our population should COVID-19 arrive here. It is with a heavy heart that I make this recommendation. The Arctic Winter Games is an event that brings together so many northerners from across Canada and other circumpolar regions to celebrate sport, art and culture. It demonstrates the beauty, strength and cohesion of northern peoples. This beauty, strength and cohesion must remain strong through today’s announcement and the coming days. Catherine Elliott, MD MHSc FRCPC Trusted sources of information Chief Medical Officer of Health Previous updates on coronavirus Government of Yukon Information about COVID-19 for Yukoners Seasonal influenza information Yukon HealthLine (dial 811) BC Centre for Disease Control Information on coronavirus Government of Canada COVID-19: outbreak update COVID-19: travel advice Toll free: 1-833-784-4397 Email:  phac.info.aspc@canada.ca World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 outbreak