COVID-19 Update: March 26

Team YYC Update - March 26, 2020

Government Updates 

1. New Order Makes Self-Isolation Mandatory for Individuals Entering Canada

• The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
• The order will be fully implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency at points of entry as of midnight last night (March 25). The Government of Canada will use its authority under the Quarantine Act to ensure compliance with the order. Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while willfully 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 to both. Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canada to verify compliance. 
• All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services. Individuals exempt from the Order will still need to practice social distancing and self-monitoring and contact their local public health authority if they feel sick. 
• Individuals displaying symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving in Canada may not use public transportation to travel to their place of isolation. They also may not isolate in a place where they will be in contact with vulnerable people, such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions.
• The federal Quarantine Act, which was updated in 2005 after the SARS outbreak, gives the federal health minister the power to designate quarantine zones and fine or jail travellers who disobey quarantine orders.

2. Alberta Health Services Changes to Self-Isolation Guidelines and COVID-19 Testing

Self- Isolation Guidelines and Testing

• AHS has updated their self-isolation guidelines for those who are sick from 14 days to 10 days following the onset of symptoms. The most up-to-date medical evidence indicates that if a person is feeling well after 10 days following the mild onset of symptoms such as: sore throat, runny nose or cough, a person will be able to stop self-isolating, providing the symptoms have resolved. If symptoms continue past 10 days, then self-isolation should continue.
• For those who are well and have had an exposure of concern, such as travellers returning from outside of Canada, or those who have had close contact with a confirmed case, they are still required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return or after their last exposure as a precaution. Should they start to experience symptoms, they must also follow the same 10 day guideline. This means that if a person returned from abroad and experiences symptoms after seven days of self-isolating, they will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the start of those symptoms. In this example, the total time of isolation, assuming their symptoms resolve by 10 days, would be 17 total days.

3. COVID-19 Testing

Alberta Health Services is adopting new testing protocols (already implemented in other provinces):

• This new approach reflects the fact that the number one thing a person can do with mild symptoms isn’t to get tested but to stay home and self-isolate!
• Testing will continue for those who have been admitted to hospital with respiratory illness and residents of continuing care and similar facilities.
• Later this week, AHS will add testing for health care workers.
• Individuals who do not fit the above categories will not be tested.
• Police and peace officers in Alberta will now be able to ticket people for not following COVID-19 guidelines. This includes anyone who has been diagnosed, has symptoms or has returned from international travel.

YYC Calgary International Airport Updates

4. YYC Pass Office during COVID-19

Please note that due to issues related to COVID-19, we are experiencing high call volumes. At this time, calls are answered as time and work volumes permit. You can view the March 23 Pass Office Operational Advisory on teamyyc.com. Email questions to security@yyc.com. 

5. Here are the latest updates on:

• Food, Beverage and Retail hours during COVID-19
• Airline updates during COVID-19
• Cleaning and Hygiene at YYC during COVID-19
• Staying healthy during COVID-19

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. We all have an important role to play in the fight against COVID-19. We know this is unprecedented but thank you to all of you who are and continue to ensure the safety of yourselves and others. We will get through this together! And as a reminder, if you are sick, STAY HOME!!

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.