She talked about things people can do to help end this COVID-19 outbreak:

1. Get vaccinated if you can.

2. Follow the Safe 6 + 1.

3. Get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms.

4. Be kind and hold each other up.

And she said: “I invite you to think about WHY it’s important. Who needs you to be there for them? Who will you embrace when this outbreak subsides and we learn to live with COVID-19? Where will you travel? What is your WHY?”

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Danchea. Thank you for inviting me here today.

I would like to start by sending my best wishes to everyone who is sick with COVID-19 right now, and to everyone who is having a hard time.

I know that many people are hurting, scared, feeling down.

I invite everyone now to step back, take a deep breath, and think about what’s important.

Think about what’s most important to you? What do you hold dear?

For me, it’s my family, my friends and my community. I want to show up for them and do the best I can.

Since the pandemic began I know I’ve been missing things from my life — things like travel, hugs, and gatherings.

And now that we’re in an outbreak situation, some of those things seem further away than ever.

The only way to turn that around is for us ALL to present a united front against this virus.

All of us… as Yukoners … can do our part … and it takes just a few simple steps.

First, get vaccinated … whether you’re 12 or 112 … it’s the best thing you can do to protect yourself and the people around you.

Second, follow the Safe 6 + 1.

That means keeping a 2 metre distance from anyone outside your small social bubble.

It means self-isolating when you’ve been asked to.

And, this one is really important because this is where we see transmission happening in the Yukon, no gathering or partying.

That means now is NOT the time to invite people to your house… now is NOT the time to go house to house partying, now is NOT the time to have a gathering or party or even a bush party.

Third, get tested IF you have COVID-19 symptoms. Especially if you’re not fully vaccinated.

And lastly, it’s more important than ever that we be kind to one another.

Many people are going through difficult times. Now is the time to be supportive and lift each other up.

And if you need mental wellness support, reach out for help.

We’ve all said these things before and I know you’ve heard them before.

But this time, I invite you to think about WHY it’s important…

Who needs you to be there for them?

Who will you embrace when this outbreak subsides and we learn to live with COVID-19?

Where will you travel?

What is your WHY?

Shä̀w níthän, Gùnáłchîsh, Mähsi’cho, Thank you.

Stay safe everyone.