'I'm begging you: Get vaccinated,' Yukon premier implores public while announcing rise in COVID-19 cases

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver implored all Yukoners on Wednesday to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying there has been "widespread and untraceable" community transmission in Whitehorse.

"Please, I'm begging you: Get vaccinated," Silver said. He noted a "high risk of COVID-19 exposure throughout the city and increased risk in our rural communities."

Silver made the comments alongside the Yukon's acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott, while they gave an update on the territory's COVID-19 situation.

Of 156 active cases in Yukon Wednesday, 108 were in Whitehorse, Elliott said.

WATCH | Yukon Premier Sandy Silver talks about fast-tracking new measures:

Earlier this week, the Yukon government declared a state of emergency after the territory reported 80 new COVID-19 infections over a three-day period, and announced new health regulations, including a proof-of-vaccination requirement.

While the new rules take effect Saturday, the territory said in a statement that Yukoners are "strongly encouraged" to adopt the measures immediately.

One of the measures is mandatory proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in designated settings for those aged 12 and up. 

Proof of vaccination will be needed at bars, restaurants, gyms, recreation facilities, art galleries, theatres, and hair and nail salons, but not to access essential services like health care, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, public transportation and shelters, the territory said in a news release. 

The release said a free Yukon-specific QR code reader app is being developed so local businesses and organizations can verify vaccination status.

People can show paper or digital copies of their proof of vaccination credentials, and they'll need to show a piece of government-issued ID.

WATCH | Missed the news conference? Watch it here:

With community transmission in Whitehorse, the territory is no longer issuing exposure notices since it considers all community activities to be a potential source of transmission. Flight exposures will continue until Nov. 15, at which point they will discontinue, as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)  is also ending its COVID-19 flight exposure reporting, Elliott said.

She recommended avoiding travel between communities, and while schools can remain open, students should wear masks at their desks.