WHITEHORSE -- Yukon is reporting that COVID-19 case counts are on the rise, with 158 new infections recorded since Friday.

The acting Chief Medical Officer says in a statement that the territory now has a total of 245 active cases and a 32 per cent test positivity rate.

Dr. Catherine Elliott is urging the public to stay home if they feel sick with even the mildest symptoms.

Yukon also announced new public health measures on New Year's Eve that are set to begin on Jan. 7 in an attempt to curb the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

They include limiting indoor personal gatheringsto 10 people, capping outdoor gatherings at 25 people, and restricting organized indoor gatherings to 50 per cent of a venue's capacity while requiring proof of vaccination.

Restaurants, bars and nightclubs will also be limited to serving a total of six people per table with proof of vaccination, and all public saunas and steam rooms are being ordered to close.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2022.