Mandatory Quarantine
Date: May 4, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Branch/Agency: TB/CBSA
Proposed Response:
- The Government continues to monitor and introduce border measures, as necessary, to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
- Restrictions have been in place since March 21 for non-essential, discretionary travel for individuals travelling from the United States in all modes, as well as, foreign nationals coming to Canada by air or marine.
- As of April 15, 2020, the Government of Canada implemented a federal Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requiring anyone entering Canada, regardless of mode of transportation, to quarantine or isolate for 14 days.
- All travellers arriving in Canada are required to confirm that they have a suitable location to quarantine.
- Travellers cannot isolate or quarantine where they would be in contact with people who are vulnerable, including those with underlying medical conditions, a compromised immune system or those over the age of 65.
- Travellers’ must be able to demonstrate that basic necessities (such as food and medication) can be delivered to them.
- Should travellers not be able to manage their quarantine, they will be referred to a Quarantine Officer from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
- In addition, all travellers seeking entry into Canada are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering.
- Workers that cross the border on a regular basis, such as truck drivers, firefighters and medical workers, as well as some travellers who enter into Canada to receive essential services, will continue to be permitted to enter, and will be exempt from the requirement for mandatory quarantine provided they are asymptomatic. They will, however, be required to wear a non-medical face mask or face covering.
- Failure to comply with this Order is an offence under the Quarantine Act. The maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Furthermore, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
If pressed on contact information collection:
- To assist with the enforcement of the mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements, the CBSA is collecting additional contact information for all in-bound travellers who are required to quarantine or isolate.
- The information is provided to PHAC, who will handle next steps in collaboration with the law enforcement and medical authorities of the appropriate jurisdiction.
Background:
Effective April 15, 2020, the Government of Canada has implemented a federal Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requiring anyone entering Canada, whether by air, land or sea, to isolate for 14 days if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or, if not exempted, to quarantine themselves for 14 days if they do not have symptoms, in order to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
This applies to all people entering Canada with few exceptions — and captures those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and those who do not have symptoms.
These measures will help protect the health of individuals in question, any individuals with whom they may live and Canadians in general, including people who are vulnerable, such as adults aged 65 years or over and people with pre-existing medical conditions who are at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
Exemptions to the mandatory quarantine order are as follows:
Persons making necessary medical deliveries of cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs, or other similar lifesaving human body parts, that are required for patient care in Canada.
- Asymptomatic persons in the trade and transportation sector who are important for the movement of goods and people, including truck drivers and crew on any plane, train or marine vessel, and that cross the border while performing their duties or for the purpose of performing their duties.
- Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border regularly to go to work, including in the health care sector or critical infrastructure workers for the purpose of performing their duties.
- Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border to provide or receive essential services, including emergency responders and personnel providing essential services to Canadians related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Those exempt from the mandatory quarantine order are not, however, exempt from wearing a non-medical mask or face covering (protective layers of absorbent fabric, such as cotton that tightly fit over the nose and mouth and are secured to the face with ties or ear loops).
Contacts:
Approved by: Denis Vinette, Vice-President, Travellers Branch, [REDACTED]
- Date modified: