May 29, 1953 – A precautionary measure to combat the spread of polio in the Whitehorse area has closed schools, shows, dances and all indoor public gatherings.

Contrary to rumors being spread around the City of a polio epidemic, officials of the Territorial Government say the new order is to combat the spread of the disease.

Coming a few days before the Coronation Celebrations, the order has made it necessary to cancel all dances within a five-mile radius of Whitehorse. Picture shows, churches and club meetings are also banned. The I.O.D.E. Coronation Ball, scheduled for Saturday, is cancelled. The Choral Society Concert has been moved to Friday evening to miss the Saturday deadline. Kiwanis Club and Board of Trade meetings are also cancelled.

Cocktail lounges and beverage parlors are permitted to remain open, the only indoor gatherings allowed.

How long the order will remain in force is unknown, but it is expected to continue until medical authorities are assured that any danger of further spreading of the disease is halted.

School classes up to Grade 8 have been dismissed for the remainder of the term, allowing the children an extra month’s holiday. Junior grades do not return to their classes until September.

(Whitehorse Star – Whitehorse, Yukon)