COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities
April 21, 2020
Contents
About the plan ...... 3 Yukon’s health emergency response to COVID-19 ...... 3 Contacts ...... 4 About COVID-19 ...... 5 Health care access ...... 7 Assessment ...... 8 Testing ...... 9 Self-isolation...... 10 Mental health support ...... 12 Communication...... 14 CMOH health orders and recommendations ...... 15
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 2/17 About the plan
The COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities provides basic information about the COVID-19 virus as well as key information on processes, contacts and supports available in the communities and Whitehorse. A coordinated and consistent plan ensures the Government of Yukon, municipal governments and Yukon First Nation governments are all working together to actively manage the consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The content in this plan is focused on Yukon’s health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It does not go into detail about enforcement of orders under the Civil Emergency Measures Act, or the economic supports available to individuals and businesses.
Please be aware that this is the most current information. The situation is changing constantly and what we shared today may not be accurate tomorrow. We encourage everyone to refer to Yukon.ca regularly.
Yukon’s health emergency response to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Yukon has activated the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) under the Yukon Government Pandemic Coordination Plan.
Through the HEOC, the Department of Health and Social Services, with the expert advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is responsible for coordinating and leading the government’s health response to the pandemic. This involves providing information to the public, care and treatment advice to health care providers, and the coordination and management of health resources. The HEOC coordinates and communicates with Yukon's Emergency Coordination Centre, as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). By working together with the broader emergency management structures as well as with Yukon First Nations, municipalities, government agencies and the private sector, the HEOC is striving to deliver a unified and coordinated Yukon-wide response to the pandemic.
HEOC strategic objectives
Limit human to human transmission Identify, isolate and care for patients early Coordinate response and preparedness Communicate critical risk and event information
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 3/17 HEOC activities
Organize the planning, response, and recovery activities for the health response to the pandemic based on the recommended direction of Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health; Manage health specific media and public information issues in coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services; Coordinate the work of the Emergency Support Services team and the operations of the Respiratory Assessment Centre and Self Isolation Facilities; Work with other health agencies including Yukon Hospital Corporation on the acquisition and deployment of health resources, such as personal protective equipment (PPE); Monitor and actively manage event situational awareness, timely reporting, and documentation; Develop and execute communications strategies and tactics to target specific audiences (e.g., youth and young adults), and events or time periods of high risk or high public awareness.
Contacts
General questions and support For general questions and support with self-isolation. Email: [email protected]
Enforcement For questions about Yukon border control and enforcement or reporting a possible infraction of the Civil Emergency Measures Act. Email: [email protected]
Economic supports For questions about relief for businesses. Email: [email protected] Phone: 867-456-3803; Toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 extension 3803.
Mining For questions related to mining operations. Email: [email protected]
School-specific information For questions about school plans, phone or email your school.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 4/17 School contact information: https://yukon.ca/en/education-and-schools/kindergarten-grade- 12/directory
Yukon Housing Corporation
For questions about social housing. Email: [email protected] Phone: 867-667-5759; Phone toll-free: 1-800-661-0408 extension 5759
Yukon Hospital Corporation For COVID-19 questions specifically related to Yukon Hospitals. Phone: 867-393-9040 This line is not for medical advice or emergencies. If someone needs medical advice or has a health concerns, they should call 811. If they're experiencing an emergency, they should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
Community health care centres See Health care centre contacts on page 6.
About COVID-19
COVID-19 or coronavirus is a virus that causes respiratory illness in people. It is a new strain of virus that has not been previously identified in humans. Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms or experience a severe illness. You may not know you have COVID-19 because symptoms are similar to a cold or flu. Symptoms have included: cough fever difficulty breathing pneumonia in both lungs In severe cases, infection can lead to death. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease. Recent evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who: have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) never develop symptoms (asymptomatic)
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 5/17 While experts know that these kinds of transmissions are happening among those in close contact or in close physical settings, it is not known to what extent. Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19. Information from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Date modified: 2020-04-09
Risk factors and severity of COVID-19 illness
Like other viruses, such as influenza, a COVID-19 infection in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe, and possibly death. People who have compromised immune systems, underlying medical conditions and/or are over 65 years old are at an increased risk of more severe outcomes. Globally, most individuals with COVID-19 have not required hospitalization and have recovered at home. If someone tests positive, these are three possible scenarios for the severity of their illness.
Mild Severe Critical
Around 80% of people who Around 14% of people will Around 6% of people will be test positive for COVID-19 will have severe symptoms and will critical and will need to be have mild symptoms and can need to access acute care. admitted into intensive care remain at home. Their progress Depending on their symptoms either in Whitehorse or will be followed by a nurse and the local capacity they may transferred to Alberta or British from the community health be cared for at the community Columbia. Approximately 3.5% centre or Yukon Communicable health centre, a Yukon hospital of people in Canada are dying Disease Control in Whitehorse. or transferred to Alberta or from complications caused by British Columbia. COVID-19.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 6/17 Health care access
The role of the community health centre during the pandemic
The health centre staff are there to continue to serve the health needs of the community and are working to ensure that the health centre remains a safe place for people to come and seek care. Measures to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the health centre include: Signage asking those with symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath to stop and call ahead to the health centre so that arrangements can be made to provide them with hand sanitizer and a mask prior to entering the facility. Greeters stationed at the doors who will screen for symptoms of COVID-19 and ensure that any symptomatic people are given hand sanitizer and a mask. Booked appointments are spaced out for non-urgent medical needs in order to avoid crowding in waiting areas and to allow people space to physically distance themselves.
Accessing regular health care services during the pandemic
It is important that Yukoners continue to access health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. To see a health care provider about any health-related issue, call the local health care centre to set up an appointment. A web, phone or in-person appointment will be set up based on the need or type of care required. Services available at health centres and hospitals during the pandemic: Non-urgent bloodwork/lab tests, x-rays and other imaging services, physio/occupational therapy services are suspended at Yukon hospitals in Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake. Lab work and x-rays remain available in rural communities by appointment. For the latest information about the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s response to COVID-19, visit: https://yukonhospitals.ca/covid-19-updates
Health care centre contacts
Community Phone Beaver Creek 867-862-4444 Carcross 867-821-4444 Carmacks 867-863-4444 Dawson City 867-993-4300 Destruction Bay 867-841-4444
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 7/17 Community Phone Faro 867-994-4444 Haines Junction 867-634-4444 Mayo 867-996-4444 Old Crow 867-966-4444 Pelly Crossing 867-537-4444 Ross River 867-969-4444 Teslin 867-390-4444 Watson Lake 867-536-5255 Whitehorse 867-667-8864
Assessment
Anyone who has symptoms including cough, fever or difficulty breathing, should self-isolate and assess their symptoms by one of the following means: Call 811; Use the online self assessment tool at: https://service.yukon.ca/en/covid-19-self-assessment/ Call the local health care centre or doctor’s office.
Following an assessment, if a symptomatic person requires testing they should call ahead to the local health centre to request an appointment. Same day appointments are available and will be prioritized.
Call first: Community members should not go to an emergency department, family doctor, walk-in clinic or local health centre without calling first. A phone call to the health centre in advance of arrival is important so that staff can ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid possible transmission of the virus to other patients and staff who may be at the health centre.
If someone has symptoms and needs immediate, urgent medical attention, they should call 911 and tell them they may have COVID-19.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 8/17 Testing
In addition to the community health centre, testing for COVID-19 can be conducted by the Whitehorse Respiratory Assessment Clinic, Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC), or at a Yukon Hospital Emergency Room. For the latest information about the criteria for COVID-19 testing, visit the self-assessment tool webpage (https://service.yukon.ca/en/covid-19-self-assessment/) or call 811.
Testing process at health centres
1. People arriving for testing will be met at the door and asked to wash their hands with hand sanitizer and will be given a mask. 2. A nurse will take the individual to a designated room for assessment and testing. The test is simple and relatively painless and involves inserting a swab into the back of a person’s nose where the virus can live. 3. Once the swab is complete, and if the individual is well enough to go home, the nurse will provide information about self-isolating. The individual must remain in self-isolation until they hear from the health centre or Yukon Communicable Disease Control. 4. The nurse will also assess the individual’s situation for any possible barriers that may impact a person’s ability to self-isolate. If barriers are identified, the nurse will work with the individual and/or family to connect them with the appropriate supports and ensure that they are able to appropriately self-isolate. Anybody who needs assistance in securing suitable accommodations for self-isolation can email [email protected] or call 867-332-4587. 5. The swab will be sent away for processing and will be transported out of the community as a priority. Results are typically received within 3-4 days depending on the date and time of collection. 6. If the test result comes back as negative, the individual should continue to self-isolate based on the guidance of YCDC and/or the nurse in the community.
Action taken when there is a positive test result for COVID-19
1. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) is notified by the lab performing the test. 2. A nurse, from the health centre or YCDC will contact the individual to advise them of the result. The nurse will: a. Start the process of contact tracing. b. Assess the medical needs of the individual to determine whether their care can be managed at home or if they will require access to a higher level of care.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 9/17 If the individual can self isolate at home the nurse will provide daily monitoring by phone for all COVID- 19 positive individuals to help assess their symptoms, ensure that they are appropriately self-isolating and provide further care as needed. If it is determined that a person’s medical needs cannot be managed at home, or by the community health centre, arrangements will be made to safely transport the individual to Whitehorse. A nurse will assess the best way to transport (e.g., EMS, private vehicle).
Contact tracing Contact tracing is a confidential public health process that is used to help find people who spent the most time with the individual quickly so that they can be isolated and reduce the spread of illness to other members of the community. This process will determine if there is anyone else who was exposed to the individual and needs to be notified of a possible exposure to COVID-19. If there are others who have been in contact with the COVID-19 positive individual, the nurse will give them information and instructions on self-isolating, how to monitor for symptoms, contact them at regular intervals to make sure they are well and are following self-isolation and will provide direction regarding the need for testing.
Privacy and non-disclosure of names or rural community cases To protect the privacy of the individual and to comply with Yukon's Health Information Privacy and Management Act (HIPMA) the name of the individual and the community will remain confidential. Individual cases that are contained do not increase the risk to the public, so there is no public health need to disclose the name of the community or the individual. If a symptomatic person was working or attending an event or location where there was a possibility of passing the virus to others, the Chief Medical Officer of Health may determine that there is a need for broader communication to the public about a possible exposure to COVID-19. In these situations, information will be shared through press briefings, public exposure notices on the Yukon.ca website and direct communication with community officials as needed. There are procedures and protocols in place to ensure that the appropriate authorities in each community are made aware of a positive case.
Self-isolation
All individuals must self-isolate when they have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if it is possible that they have been exposed to the virus (e.g., following travel). Self-isolation can take place in all communities. People who are returning from travel outside of the Territory and arrive in Whitehorse are allowed to travel to their home community to safely self-isolate. Avoiding contact with other people helps prevent the spread of disease to others.
People must self-isolate at home when it is possible and safe to do so. They should remain at their place of residence for 14 days or until they are advised by their health care provider that they are no longer at risk of spreading the virus to others.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 10/17 People must self-isolate if they: are returning from travel outside of Yukon; have symptoms and are waiting to be tested, or have been tested and are awaiting results; have been in direct contact with someone who has COVID-19 and have been advised to self- isolate by YCDC and/or the health center nurse; have COVID-19.
Self-isolation supports
During the COVID-19 response the Emergency Support Services (ESS) team with the Department of Health and Social Services can provide support to people in self-isolation. They can also arrange transportation for someone to get to a self-isolation facility and link them to supports for mental wellness and substance use care. This service is available in all Yukon communities by phone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Emergency Support Services If someone is unsure if they are able to self-isolate at home or needs help to do it safely, Emergency Support Services are available to assist. Phone: 867-332-4587 Email: [email protected]
Self-isolating in Whitehorse rather than the community If someone cannot safely self-isolate at home or in the community, then the Emergency Support Services team will assist. They can arrange for transportation to Whitehorse where arrangements can be made for them to stay at the Self Isolation Facility. Self isolation facilities have been identified in the majority of Yukon rural communities. To access community based self-isolation facilities and other supports, contact Emergency Support Services. Daily monitoring: There will be daily check-ins to monitor the physical and mental health of everyone in self-isolation. If they develop symptoms or if symptoms worsen, then a nurse will follow up. For anyone self-isolating at home or in a community self-isolation facility there will be a daily call from the Health Emergency Operations Centre. For anyone staying at the self-isolation facility in Whitehorse, there will be daily check-ins using a self-management form.
While in self-isolation individual must: Not leave home unless it’s to seek medical care. Arrange to have groceries, medication and supplies dropped off at the door.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 11/17 If there are others living in the home, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom, if possible. Practice physical distancing and keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) from any other person. Avoid contact with individuals with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults. If interaction with another individual is unavoidable or necessary, keep interactions brief and wear a medical mask if available, or if not available, a non-medical mask or facial covering (e.g. homemade cloth mask, dust mask, bandana). Keep hands clean by washing regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching their face. Avoid contaminating common items and surfaces by disinfecting at least once daily. See the guidance document on cleaning and disinfecting your home: https://yukon.ca/en/cleaning-and- disinfecting-your-home Continue to self monitor for symptoms and immediately contact the community heath centre if symptoms get worse. Get some rest, eat a balanced diet and stay in touch with others through communication devices.
Mental health support
The COVID-19 pandemic is new and unexpected. This situation can be unsettling and can cause a sense of loss of control. It is normal for people to feel sad, stressed, confused, anxious, scared or worried in a crisis. Everyone should take care of their mental and physical wellbeing and ask for help if they feel overwhelmed. Mental health and substance use supports are available, if required, for individuals who are isolating in the communities and Whitehorse. Daily monitoring of everyone in self-isolation will also include a check in on their mental wellness. Services include phone support, psychiatric support, detox, medication administration.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 12/17 Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services: Rapid Access Counselling Services
Daily slots are available for one-to-one support. Phone to schedule a phone appointment. No previous connection with Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services is necessary. Community Phone Whitehorse 866-456-3838 (Toll-free) Watson Lake 867-536-3222 Teslin 867-332-4088 Dawson City, Mayo, and Old Crow 867-993-4300 Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Ross River and Faro 867-332-5468 Haines Junction, Destruction Bay, Burwash Landing and Beaver 867-334-5688 Creek Carcross 867-332-3157
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Yukon Division
CMHA Yukon Division counselling staff are providing telephone or video sessions. Drop-in counselling has been extended from one day a week to 5 days a week. Appointments are available by phone within 48 hours of calling to book the appointment. For more information, phone: 867-668-6429 Email: [email protected]
Other resources
For more information about mental health supports, go to: https://yukon.ca/en/health-and- wellness/covid-19/find-covid-19-counselling-and-crisis-support
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 13/17 Communication
The Yukon government is sharing information with all Yukoners through: Media briefings: The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) provides regular briefings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (schedule is subject to change). These briefings include the latest test result numbers and address the evolving pandemic situation and Yukon’s response. These updates are streamed on Facebook and tend to be picked up by media outlets such as CBC, CKRW and CHON FM. Information Bulletin and/or news releases: All CMOH media briefings are accompanied by an information bulletin. COVID-19 related updates regarding enforcement of orders, economic supports, and other Yukon government initiatives in response to the pandemic are accompanied by a news release. All releases are published here: https://yukon.ca/news. Social media: News releases, information bulletins, public health messaging and other announcements are posted regularly on the Yukon government’s Facebook and Twitter accounts: o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yukongov/
o Twitter: https://twitter.com/yukongov
Community calls: The HEOC participates on regular community calls organized by Community Services and the Emergency Coordination Centre to share information with community leaders and to discuss issues and concerns for each Yukon community. Radio advertising: Ads are placed on CBC, CHON-FM and CKRW to share public health messages and promote other Yukon government initiatives in response to COVID-19. Posters, digital signage, community newsletters, mail outs
Checklist for community communications and information sharing Identify a community lead for information gathering and sharing. Establish a process for regular information sharing with community leaders. Implement and maintain a process to keep all municipal residents and/or First Nation citizens informed. For example, create or utilize a community newsletter (mail drop and/or email); identify locations for posters and signage; create an email list for regular updates. Participate in regular community calls with the Yukon government community advisors, the Emergency Coordination Centre and the Health Emergency Operations Centre. Ensure that community leaders and other key people are on the email list to receive the daily situation reports from the Emergency Coordination Centre. Monitor Yukon.ca/COVID-19 for the latest information, including news releases, on the Yukon government’s response to the pandemic.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 14/17 CMOH health orders and recommendations
Orders: Rules and requirements that are the law and enforceable. Recommendations: Guidance and best practices to limit the spread of the virus. They are not enforceable, but are wise to follow.
The orders1 require that: All individuals entering Yukon must self-isolate for 14 days. Entry into Yukon is permitted for individuals providing acceptable evidence to an enforcement officer that they are: o Yukon residents;
o non-resident family members of Yukon residents;
o delivering a critical or essential service;
o transiting through Yukon to a neighbouring jurisdiction (24-hour limitation); or
o exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right (for the time needed to exercise the right).
All individuals must provide a signed declaration upon entry to Yukon. Critical service providers may in some cases provide a critical service without having self-isolated for 14 days. Non-residents transiting through Yukon must exit within 24 hours after entry. Individuals entering Yukon from the British Columbia communities of Atlin, Fire Side, Pleasant Camp, Fraser and Jade City are not required to self-isolate; so long as they have not travelled outside that community or the Yukon in the previous 14 days. All bars are closed Restaurants are restricted to take-out dining only All personal services like hair salons, barbers, tattoo parlours, nail salons and massage therapists are closed Dental clinics are closed except for urgent treatment Individuals working in the mining industry must self-isolate for 14 days in a place other than a mine or camp Schools are closed for face-to-face classes for the remainder of the 2019/20 school year.
1 Orders issued on April 2, 2020 and April 17, 2020.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 15/17 If someone contravenes these rules they may be charged. Charges may include a $500 fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both. Officers, such as conservation officers, natural resource officers, peace officers and sheriffs have the authority under the legislation to enforce the Civil Emergency Measures Act.
Recommendations regarding travel to rural communities Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health has strongly recommended against non-essential travel into and out of Yukon’s rural communities. This recommendation means avoiding any travel to, or from, any community located outside of Whitehorse for any reason other than: receiving or delivering critical services; seeking urgent medical attention; or returning home to self-isolate as directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. It is recognized that travel by workers to Yukon’s rural communities to deliver critical services, essential services and non-essential services may occur. The following guidance applies to those providing any services in Yukon’s rural communities: Entities providing any services should take all reasonable measures to prevent the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by a worker who provides services by: implementing a company-wide physical distancing policy for all workers requiring a minimum physical distance of 2 metres between workers and other people, including in vehicles; ensure compliance with the legal order to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people; increasing regularly scheduled cleaning with a disinfecting agent such as antimicrobial disposable wipes or a bleach solution; supporting and maintaining high levels of hand hygiene, ensuring that workers have access to hand hygiene products and are able to follow physical distancing rules; supporting rapid response for an essential worker who develops symptoms; requiring workers to self-declare to their superior and to 811 or their health care practitioner, if they have come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19 and to self-isolate if instructed by a health practitioner; requiring workers showing symptoms of COVID-19 (for example, fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing) to call 811 or their health practitioner and self-isolate for 14 days until otherwise instructed by their health care provider or by Yukon Communicable Disease Control. For additional information and guidance about travelling to Yukon communities visit: https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19/delivery-services-guidelines-travel-rural- communities
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 16/17
The Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon’s Emergency Measures Organization and the Minister of Community Services realize that these are extraordinary measures that may cause hardship for people, families, communities and businesses. By carefully following the legal orders and the directions of the CMOH, Yukoners can each take responsibility and help to control of the spread of COVID-19 in Yukon.
COVID-19 health response plan for Yukon communities 17/17