TORONTO — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday announced stricter restrictions on travelers in response to new, likely more contagious variants of the novel coronavirus — including making it mandatory for travelers to quarantine in a resort at their very own expense after they arrive in Canada and suspending airline service to Mexico and all Caribbean locations till April 30.
Trudeau mentioned along with the pre-boarding test Canada already requires, the government shall be introducing mandatory PCR testing at the airport for individuals returning to Canada.
“Travelers will then have to wait for up to three days at an approved hotel for their test results, at their very own expense, which is anticipated to be more than $2000,” Trudeau mentioned.
“Those with negative test results will then be able to quarantine at home under significantly increased surveillance and enforcement.”
The prime minister mentioned these with positive tests shall be instantly required to quarantine in designated government facilities to make sure they’re not carrying variants of particular concern.
Trudeau also mentioned the government and Canada’s main airways have agreed to suspend service to sun destinations right away. He mentioned Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat are canceling air service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting Sunday till April 30.
“They are going to be making arrangements with their customers who’re currently on a trip in these regions to organize their return flights,” Trudeau mentioned.
He mentioned beginning next week, all international passenger flights must land at the following 4 airports: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal.
“We will also, within the coming weeks, be requiring nonessential travelers to show a negative test before entry at the land border with the US, and we’re working to stand up additional testing requirements for land travel,” Trudeau mentioned.
Canada already requires those entering the nation to self-isolate for 14 days and to present a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before arrival.
