7 new COVID-19 cases in Yukon, 1 probable

There are seven new cases of COVID-19 in Yukon, according toDr. Brendan Hanley, Yukon's chief medical officer of health. The cases were confirmed between noonThursday and noon Friday, officialssaidin a news release.

It brings the number of active cases in the territory to 78.

Of the new cases on Friday, five are in Whitehorse while three more, including the probable case, are in rural areas.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, there have been 596 cases in Yukon,534 of which were reportedsince June 1. That includes out-of-territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases.

Non-residents who are diagnosed in Yukon are counted in the active count but not in Yukon's total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction.

There have also been five deaths since June 1, andseven altogethersince November 2020.

The next COVID-19 case count update will be on Monday, the territory said.

Next week, the territory plans to lift border controls. That means that as of Aug. 4, nobody will be stopped on entry to the territory, required to fill out a declaration form, or isolate if they're not vaccinated. Peoplepassing through will also no longer have just 24 hours to leave Yukon.

Masks willno longer be mandatory in indoor public places after Aug. 4 as well.