We were a bit confused about one of Minister Hajdu’s statements regarding returning travellers to Canada, and where we’d need to self-isolate. It sounded as though we may need to self-isolate at our point of entry, which in our case is Vancouver, so we contacted the Canadian Consulate in Sydney for clarification.
They responded to my email within and hour or two. We’ll be able to board our connecting flight to Ottawa provided we’re both symptom free on arrival in Vancouver. Consulate’s response, below:
On Thu, Mar 26, 2020, 2:28 PM , <SYDNYCS@international.gc.ca> wrote:
Dear Mary Allen & Philip,
Travellers to Canada with no symptoms will be allowed to take their connecting flight. Persons not exhibiting symptoms may take connecting flights to their final destination to self-isolate.
If you exhibit symptoms on arrival at the first port of entry in Canada, the health officials at the airport will provide you with further information and the steps you are required to take to self-isolate.
We hope the above information is of assistance.
In regards to the CBC news item you make reference to, the following appears in the article;
“The was also some confusion about travellers who have connecting flights to other airports in Canada.
Earlier today Hajdu said travellers who are arriving at one of the four international airports and connecting “will be asked to quarantine in place in those cities for 14 days and we will provide the accommodation and meals for those situations.”
A health official later clarified that only people with symptoms will be quarantined in the city of arrival and that travellers without symptoms can continue on and isolate at their homes.”
Kind regards
Consular Section/Services Consulaires
Telephone | Téléphone: +61 2 9364 3000Facsimile | Télécopieur: +61 2 9364 3098
Level 5, 111 Harrington Street / 5e étage, 111 rue Harrington
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia | Australie
Consulate General of Canada | Consulat général du Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada