COVID-19 Update: March 18

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly. Here are important YYC updates for March 18.

Government Agency Updates:

1. Canada and the U.S. are closing the border to non-essential traffic. U.S. officials say trade will not be affected. Earlier this week, Canada closed its borders to most non-residents. Air crews and diplomats are exempt, at last update. As a result, there have been a significant number of flight reductions and YYC will be asked to park aircraft here. Effective Wednesday, Calgary is one of four Canadian airports permitted to receive international flights. All Canadians are reminded to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

“Following the announcement by The Government of Canada, YYC will assist our airline, agency and public health partners in repatriating Canadians as a result of the pandemic and the government’s request that all Canadians abroad return home. Our airport has a job to do and we will rise to the occasion.” - Bob Sartor, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority. 

2. Alberta has declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act. New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces. Effective today:

• All events over 50 people to be cancelled.
• No attendance at rec centres, casinos, bingo halls, bars, theatres and other facilities.
• Sit-down restaurants can remain open at lower capacity.
• The World Health Organization advises people to stay at least one metre away from one another, two metres is preferable when possible.

Airline Updates:

1. WestJet and Sunwing made significant announcements this week. WestJet is ceasing international and trans-border operations as of Sunday, March 22 and reducing domestic flights by 50 per cent. Sunwing cancelled southbound flights as of March 17. Air Transat is gradually suspending all flights until April 30.

YYC Calgary International Airport Updates:

2. We are working with retailers at YYC as they temporarily close and reduce hours of operation due to decreased passenger volumes, staff well-being and to ensure appropriate service levels. Here is today’s update:

• Many retailers have reduced hours or are closed (a detailed list will be available later today on teamyyc.com).
• Aspire Lounges in Concourses D & E are closed.
• Some sit-down restaurants are remaining open at lower capacity, as per Alberta Health recommendations.
• ‘Grab and Go’ food options are available at Calgary Airport Marriott in-terminal hotel.

3. Representatives from Alberta Health Services are in the terminal distributing COVID-19 information to arriving guests and providing reminders for social distancing. Be sensitive to public health guidance on social distancing especially when congregating in large groups while waiting to pick-up passengers.
    
4. Thanks to swift-acting and collaborative partners, we’ve replenished our hand sanitizer supply and you’ll see the hand sanitizer stations refilled today. Washing your hands with soap and water is still the best recommendation for hand hygiene.
    
5. Last week we doubled our frequency of terminal and parkade cleaning according to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommendations and have the necessary virucidal supplies in stock to do so. Our enhanced protocol includes sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as kiosks, door handles, elevators, washroom facilities, railings, etc. Additional cleaning measures at YYC include disinfecting the customs kiosks after every flight.
    
6. Effective immediately the YYC LINK operating hours will be 7 a.m.- 11 p.m. and capacity will be reduced to three shuttles during those times. Effective Sunday, March 22 at 7 a.m., the YYC LINK will shift to an on-demand service by request only for guests requiring mobility assistance.
    
7. Effective immediately, International Departures and Transborder Departures InfoCentres will operate at as self-serve kiosks. Telephones are available at the desk to the public and Team YYC to reach a Customer Care Ambassador. Customer Care Ambassadors can assist remotely. Additionally, International Arrivals InfoCentre operating hours will be 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. and Domestic Arrivals InfoCentre operating hours will be 7 a.m. to midnight.
    
8. We are disseminating public health updates and amplifying communications efforts to reach staff, guests and the public:

• physical and digital signage throughout the airport
• staff and partner agencies handing out flyers to arriving and departing guests
• digital content sharing on web, social media and news media channels

9. We are working to assist Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as those government agencies lead the screening of guests arriving from outside Canada. We understand guests are asked health screening questions and must acknowledge through the customs process that they are to self-isolate for 14 days if arriving from outside of Canada.
    
10. We have requested that taxis, Ubers and shuttle partners ensure vehicles are cleaned after transporting guests.
     
11. We’ve suspended the White Hat Volunteer program for the safety of our volunteers.
     
12. Our administrative reception will be reducing service. We are still answering 403-735-1200 remotely during business hours. Additionally, someone will be staffing the desk to accept mail and deliveries. Going forward, the following services will not be available:

• Meet and sign in guests, so please arrange to meet any guest.
• Walk-in parking validation.
• Outgoing couriers.
• Managing meeting rooms (all bookings have been cancelled and future requests not being taken).

13. For those of you who were involved, Exercise Aurora planned for April 15 has been cancelled.

As always, safety and security is our top priority and we will continue to work closely with PHAC and AHS and all our government partners to fully support them in any new public health measures at YYC to ensure the safety of the entire airport community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Airport employees: Visit teamyyc.com to get the latest updates from The Calgary Airport Authority. Subscribe here to get the latest updates emailed to you directly. You can also email emergency@yyc.com with any questions.

International guests: Visit PHAC’s website for information: or call PHAC 1-833-784-4397.

Domestic guests and employees: Visit AHS website for more information or call Health Link at 811.