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.