Council of Yukon First Nations donates rapid molecular tests to the Yukon government

12/04/2022

This is a joint news release between CYFN and the Yukon government.

The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has made a donation of rapid molecular tests to the Yukon government for use at Yukon community health centres.

CYFN is donating 3,912 rapid molecular tests to the Yukon government for allocation to community health centres in the Yukon.

Distribution of the testing devices to community health centres is underway and is expected to continue through the fall until the tests are fully allocated. Those living in Yukon communities experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can phone or visit a local health centre to arrange for testing.

Rapid molecular tests can be used as a confirmatory test within community health centres. The tests provide effective results and pose fewer barriers for health care professionals to administer and provide timely results for community members.

The donation is a result of the ongoing collaboration on the COVID-19 response between CYFN’s Yukon First Nation COVID Response Team and the Yukon government.

CYFN’s Yukon First Nation COVID Response Team has been working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to develop and implement community-based testing programs in Yukon First Nation communities.

Work began with PHAC in September 2021 with the deployment of at-home rapid tests to Yukon First Nation communities. In December 2021, this program was expanded to include rapid molecular testing devices.

Throughout the Yukon government’s response to the pandemic, we have been working closely with Yukon First Nations to ensure that we have a coordinated approach in protecting Yukoners and stopping the spread of COVID-19. We are grateful for the Council of Yukon First Nations’ contribution to Yukon’s Community Health Centres. We would not be where we are today without our strong partnership with Yukon First Nations and the dedication of the Yukon First Nation COVID Response Team.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

This initiative by CYFN’s Yukon First Nation Covid Response Team will help to safeguard the health of community members by ensuring that Yukon First Nations across the Yukon have convenient and timely access to rapid molecular tests.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

Contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Samantha Henney
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8321
samantha.henney@yukon.ca

Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227
communications@cyfn.net

NT5