​Education (E-1)
PO Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon  Y1A 2C6
March 2, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
RE: Preventing the spread of illness within schools

It is currently influenza season, and there are concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of all students is our first priority, and we are providing information to help you keep you and your child safe.
Currently, the risk of COVID-19 within Canada and Yukon is low. Although there are no cases of COVID-19 in Yukon, there are cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

The following everyday practices for you and your child can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched a lot;
• when you cough or sneeze:
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue immediately into the trash; or
  • cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow; and
• stay home when you are sick.

In Yukon, health care providers are keeping up to date on COVID-19. They know how to recognize the virus in a person who may be infected and how to best care for them. The Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health and Yukon Communicable Disease Control are closely following this virus. They are working with their counterparts across the country and leading all preparations to protect Yukoners.
This information is accurate as of March 2, 2020. As the situation can change quickly, for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Government of Yukon’s Information about Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at yukon.ca/en/information-about-novel-coronavirus-yukoners.
Sincerely,
 
David Wipf
A/ADM, Schools and Student Services
Department of Education