Flying into Canada? Here’s what the new restrictions mean for you
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a series of new travel restrictions at Canada's airports of entry Friday. The measures, to come into effect nationally in the coming weeks, are aimed to curb the coronavirus from entering the country through Canada's ports airports. All international flights coming in to Canada will land in one of the following four cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.
Here's what you need to know if you are flying into Canada:
Mandatory testing on arrival:The Federal government will require all international travellers flying in to any of the four airports mentioned to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test on arrival. This new rule does not waive the requirement of having a negative COVID-19 test result before you board an international flight to Canada.
Compulsory hotel stay:Following the COVID-19 test, travellers will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel" for a maximum of three days , while their test results come back. This mandatory quarantine in a federally approved hotel can cost up to $2,000 per person and will be borne by the traveller. Transport Canada says a list of government approved hotels to be used for this mandatory quarantine will be released in the coming days.
The 14-day self-isolation still applies: Travellers who test negative while in quarantine still have to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Travellers who test positive for COVID-19 will be asked to quarantine further in a government-appointed facility. More details will be released in the coming days.
For Ontario, testing at Pearson starts in February: The government of Ontario announced Thursday that, while the Federal plan may take a few weeks to be implemented, all international travellers landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport will be asked to undergo a COVID-19 rapid test starting Feb. 1. Those who refuse to get tested will face a fine of at least $750.
No flights from sun destinations: Prime Minister Trudeau also announced that all major Canadian airlines have agreed to stop flights to and from sun destinations like Mexico and the Carribbean, at least until April 30.
Akrit Michael is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach him via email: amichael@thestar.ca