Yukoners urged to get flu shots as vaccinations begin in pharmacies for first time

As flu vaccinesroll out in Yukon pharmacies for the first time, the territory's chief medical officer urged people to get their flu shots to avoid unnecessary COVID-19 testing.

"As influenza and COVID[-19]have very similar presentations, we really would like to keep it out of Yukon this year," said Dr. BrendanHanley at his weekly update Wednesday.

He said anyone with flu-like symptoms will need to get COVID-19 testing this year.

Flu shots beganthisweek for people with chronic conditions. The general public can get flu vaccines starting on Monday.

Yukoners can get their flu shot by booking an appointment in a pharmacy,dropping bytheWhitehorse ConventionCentre orthrough home care.

Hanley saidmore than 900 people got the flu shot at the convention centre in thefirst two daysand that wait times were minimal.

New cases pose no public risk

Meanwhile, Hanley said there was no risk to the publicafterYukon reported two new COVID-19 caseslinked totravel outside the Yukon/B.C. bubble on Monday. Both patients were self-isolating at home when they developed mild symptoms, he said.

However, Hanley asked all Yukoners to make a plan in casethey developsymptoms and need to isolate.

"Are you ready to self isolate on short notice?"he asked. "What support might you need? Doyou know who to call or where to go to get tested?"

He said people should not overlook a slight cough or unusual throat tickle.

Skagway decision 'unusual'

Hanley also responded toSkagway, Alaska's "unusual" decision topublicly identified a man with COVID-19in order to speed up contact tracing.

He said that approach would not work in the Yukon.

"That was certainly something that took us all by surprise, and it was an unusual move," said Hanley.

Yukon's practice so far, has been to release very little information about people who contract COVID-19.

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, who was also at the update, said publicly releasing namescould also bring problems like harassment.

He said the five recent cases in Skagway have not increased the risk to people in Yukon. He said he supports the decision to keep the U.S. border closed.

The premier addedthe territory's Civil Emergency Measures Act enforcement team charged one person this weekfor failing to self isolate.

Harassing Americans 'unacceptable'

Silver said he was disappointed to hear about an incident last week, whereAmerican travellershad their car window smashed duringan overnight stop in Haines Junction

"This kind of behaviour is unacceptable," said Silver."We need to support each other through these challenging times."

Meanwhile, Hanley expressed continued support forYukon's travel bubble with B.C. He notedthat the territory has not had any cases linked to B.C. since opening up the bubbleon July 1.

However,heurged people who travel to B.C. to "lay low" and respect Yukon's gathering rules when returning home.

"We have to keep earning this privilege. Like a prized gift, use it well and wisely," he said.

"Wherever you are, be tuned in to what's in the local news about where COVID[-19] activity is occurring."