(Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

new measures for air travel

Trudeau: Those with symptoms won’t be allowed to board domestic flights

Mar 28, 2020 | 11:43 AM

Effective at noon eastern time on Monday, March 30, anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to board a flight within Canada or leaving Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new measure, along with others, during his daily briefing from Rideau Cottage on Saturday morning.

The step is intended to further reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus which has brought much of the globe to a standstill, socially and economically.

Furthermore, all air operators must conduct a health check of travellers before they board a flight within Canada or departing from Canada, based on guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada. This would include asking health questions, looking for visible signs of illness prior to boarding, and recommending the traveller follow guidance from local health authorities.

They must also notify travellers that they may be subject to provincial or territorial measures at their final destination.

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In the case of a denial to board a plane, the ruling remains in effect for 14 days or until a medical certificate is presented that confirmed a traveller’s symptoms are not related to COVID-19. The measures apply to aircraft with 10 seats or more.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the transportation industry, travellers, shippers and the economy. 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,” says Marc Garneay, Minister of Transport.

“Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction and will ensure alignment on a national level. I also want to thank all essential workers in the trade and transportation sector for continuing to provide services that benefit Canadians and the economy in this difficult time.”

There are also new measures in place for people travelling by train, including a requirement for intercity passenger rail companies to do a health check to screen passengers for COVID-19 symptoms before they board a train.

This includes company representatives asking simple health questions, looking for visible signs of illness prior to boarding, and recommending the passenger follow guidance from local health authorities.

Intercity passenger rail companies must also refuse boarding to a passenger that presents COVID-19 symptoms. The denial will remain in effect for a period of 14 days, or until a medical certificate is presented that confirms that the traveller’s symptoms are not related to COVID-19.

Intercity passenger rail operators subject to the new measures are: Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd.; Keewatin Railway Company; Ontario Northland Transportation Commission; Pacific & Arctic Railway Navigation, British Columbia & Yukon Railway, British Yukon Railway doing business as White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YR); Transport Ferroviaire Tshiuetin Inc.; and VIA Rail Canada Inc.

These measures do not apply to commuter trains, and also come into effect at noon eastern on Monday.

More information is at Canada.ca/coronavirus.