Yukon officials still open to northern COVID-19 bubble, despite reluctance of other territories

Yukon officials say they're open to an "asymmetrical" relationship with the other territories to allow people to travel more freely across the North.

Yukon's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brendan Hanley said Friday that he would still be "comfortable" with a possible northern "bubble," but that the decision would need to be made by politicians.

According to N.W.T. officials, the three northern territories were in talks to open their borders to one another as part of the next phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions, but that plan was dropped when Yukon decided to open its border to British Columbia, possibly by next month.

"I guess we were rejected for now, from the triumvirate," Hanley said.

"Perhaps we can enter some other arrangement that is asymmetrical or not reciprocal. So I think we can still talk and work away on this question," he said.

Community Services Minister John Streicker echoed that, and said conversations are ongoing between the three northern premiers.

"The choices that we will make as a territory here are not necessarily dependant on working in lockstep," Streicker said.

"We can, for example, welcome N.W.T. residents to come into the Yukon. That can be our choice, and we don't necessarily expect that that will be reciprocated — it can be, but it does not need to be."

Yukon officials announced last week they were aiming to ease restrictions for travel between B.C. and Yukon starting on July 1, as part of the second phase of the territory's reopening plan.

Miss the press conference? Watch it below in full:

Churches can reopen, with limited seating

Yukon officials also announced on Friday that churches and other places of worship can reopen on Sunday but with newly-limited capacity.

"I know that the current situation has created a lot of stress for individuals and families in our territory, and that many turn to their place of worship to find support or guidance," Streicker said.

Under new guidelines issued on Friday, faith-based groups can hold services at indoor venues, but seating must be reduced to one-third of the building's capacity. Gatherings can include up to 50 people, safely distanced from each other.

The guidelines also require leaders and organizers to step up the cleaning and disinfecting of common areas.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brendan Hanley also said faith-based services, along with other gatherings, are an important way to address a community's mental health. He said many people are struggling through the ongoing pandemic.

"I hear from my physician collegaues that their patients are stressed, and the ongoing uncertainty is taking its toll," Hanley said.

"We're seeing more overdoses, more cases or alcohol intoxication, behavioural issues, emotional distress, while the RCMP are reporting an increase in assaults, including domestic assault, possession and trafficking."

He said many mental health services are still available despite restrictions associated with the pandemic.

Garage sales a go

Officials also announced on Friday a change of mind when it comes to summer garage and yard sales. Earlier, they had advised against holding such sales because of the risk.

"Yesterday I was flagged downtown by someone who said, 'what about garage sales, can't we go ahead?'" Hanley said.

"And I thought, why shouldn't we?"

He said anybody holding a garage sale should take extra precautions, such as spreading out their goods to keep people well spaced. He also advised people to wash their hands after every transaction, and that bargain hunters should "shop with their eyes" and avoid touching things they're not going to buy.

Other public health restrictions have been eased in recent weeks in Yukon. Some businesses, such as hair salons and eat-in restaurants, have been allowed to re-open under strict new guidelines. The territory's campgrounds also opened for the season on Thursday.

Last week, health officials said the territory was on track to begin phase two of its reopening plan in July. That could see an easing of restrictions on travel between Yukon and B.C., and allowance for outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people, instead of the current limit of 10.