WHITEHORSE — The Yukon government says a person's vaccination status no longer impacts their self-isolation period if they are infected with COVID-19.

The territory released new guidelines for isolation and PCR testing on Thursday. 

A statement from medical officer of health Dr. Paul Hasselback says because of high community transmission in Yukon, the isolation of contacts doesn't significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

The territory is now recommending those who have tested positive self-isolate for seven days if they have no added health problems or 10 days if they are immune compromised, whether they have been vaccinated or not.

Lab-based PCR tests will continue for Yukon residents who are at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 or those who work in high-risk settings, such as health-care workers. 

The statement says the Omicron wave of COVID-19 has led to lower hospitalization rates and less severe health outcomes. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2022. 

The Canadian Press