The 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society announced on Saturday the cancellation of the Whitehorse 2020 Arctic Winter Games based on concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus.
Catherine Elliott, Yukon’s acting chief medical officer of health, stated at Saturday’s news conference “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I have to recommend we cancel the Arctic Winter Games.”
Elliott said the decision had been taken after recent cases elsewhere in North America suggested the “community spread” of coronavirus – its ability to spread easily and sustainably – was becoming more apparent.
Elliott said, “rapidness of change and degree of uncertainty” of the past few days had led to the decision. Ellliot stated that the Arctic Winter Games could expose a “susceptible population” and provide “an efficient mode of transmission”.
There are no COVID-19 cases in Yukon at this time. Elliott added, “a single suspected case of COVID-19 would have serious impacts.”
The 2020 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory was scheduled for March 15-21, with hundreds of athletes competing representing Alaska, NWT, Yukon, northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Greenland, the Sami people of Scandinavia, and the Yamal region of Russia. Over 2000 people, athletes and spectators, had planned to attend the games in Whitehorse.
2020 was to celebrate the 50th-anniversary edition of the Arctic Winter Games, originating in 1970.
Joint statement from the Whitehorse 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, Government of Yukon, City of Whitehorse, and Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, with the support of the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse, are following a recommendation given by Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to cancel the Whitehorse 2020 Arctic Winter Games.
It has been determined that cancelling the 2020 Arctic Winter Games is the most responsible precautionary measure. This decision is a direct result of concerns around the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 and is supported by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee.
The risk for COVID-19 remains low in Yukon and there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the territory. Yukon’s medical system has been and remains well prepared to manage suspected cases of COVID-19 that may arise in Yukon.
(statement released on March 7, 2020)
Link to press conference video from Whitehorse 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society: Click Here!
The board of directors for Team Alaska is meeting Sunday for an emergency board meeting on the next steps, moving forward, according to Team Alaska-Arctic Winter Games facebook page.
More details available through Team Alaska-Arctic Winter Games facebook page.
