Beginning on Mar. 30 at noon, Canadian travellers will have to undergo screening when boarding domestic flights and intercity passenger trains for COVID-19 symptoms before being cleared for travel.
Passengers exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be banned from both methods of travel for at least 14 days, or until a medical confirmation that their symptoms are not related to COVID-19 can be produced.
Travellers will be screened by transit operators by asking questions about their health history, looking for visible signs of symptoms, and reminding travellers of health advice from local authorities.
The new measures are another attempt from the federal government to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus between provinces.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the transportation industry, travellers, shippers and the economy,” said minister of transport Marc Garneau, in a press release. “We recognize the importance of the continued movement of goods and the ongoing delivery of essential services in Canada’s response to COVID‑19, while taking necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Canadians.”
These measures won’t affect buses or commuter trains, as they are not federally regulated, and will only apply to airplanes that carry 10 passengers or more. Provincial borders will remain open for the time being.
