WHITEHORSE -- Yukon's acting chief medical officer of health says the territory will continue to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions despite political pressure brought on by protests and blockades across the country.
Dr. Catherine Elliott says the territory has lagged behind other jurisdictions since the start of the pandemic and more time is needed to watch health trends before it fully reopens.
She says decisions are made after analyzing population immunity, the number of hospitalizations and deaths, outbreaks and clusters in vulnerable settings, case activity and staffing strain on workforces.
The territory is easing more restrictions starting Friday by increasing limits for recreational team sports for those aged 19 and over, and for other activities to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.
The limit for indoor cultural gatherings and outdoor personal gatherings will also be increased to 25 people or 50 per cent capacity with no restriction on the number of households.
Indoor personal gatherings will continue to be limited to 10 people, but will no longer be limited to two households, and bars and restaurants will be allowed to reintroduce countertop service.
