COVID-19 Update: PM Trudeau

Good afternoon,

Earlier this afternoon, PM Trudeau announced additional measures in an effort to keep Canadians safe.

• Canada is closing its borders to most non-residents, excluding US citizens
  • Air crews and diplomats are exempt
  • U.S. border will remain open for now
• Based on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) guidance, passengers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be able to board aircraft bound for Canada.
  • Airlines will receive federal direction on pre-boarding health screening measures and preventing passengers displaying symptoms of COVID-19 from boarding aircraft bound for Canada
• CBSA implemented enhanced health screening measures for arriving international passengers that include a series of questions related to symptoms (fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing)
  • All arriving international passengers are being provided with a PHAC handout advising of recommended 14-day self-isolation period, symptom monitoring and accessing regional health care resources
  • Protocols in place for handling and tracking symptomatic passengers
  • Social distancing protocols will be used to manage asymptomatic arriving passengers waiting in line; symptomatic passengers will be isolated
  • During peak times, aircraft may be asked to keep passengers on board for a period of time to avoid congestion in CBSA processing areas
  • CBSA processing areas have implemented enhanced cleaning protocol
  • Procedures are in place for passengers who display COVID-19 symptoms inflight
• A financial assistance program is available to support asymptomatic Canadians in returning home and to support basic needs for symptomatic Canadians unable to fly at this time     

Only the following airports will be permitted to receive international arrivals effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday:

1. Pearson, Toronto
2. Montreal Trudeau
3. Vancouver International Airport
4. Calgary International Airport
5. Domestic and U.S. flights will continue as scheduled
6. Mexico, Caribbean and Saint Pierre Michelon not affected by this measure
7. Commerce and trade (cargo flights) will continue as usual

All Canadians are reminded to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

As a reminder, we encourage you to refer to the Alberta Health Services website. Information includes how to prevent and prepare, self-isolation guidelines, COVID-19 information, etc. https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx#toc-2

Should you have any questions, please send an email to emergency@yyc.com

Thank you,

Natasha Koshowski
Manager, emergency Preparedness