The Prime Minister has confirmed Canada is closing its borders during this COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Trudeau calls their actions aggressive but needed. He says airlines will be given instructions to stop passengers from boarding if they are showing symptoms.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 will not be able to come to Canada and the Prime Minister says they will not leave travelling Canadians behind and will be provided with funding support while they wait to come back to Canada.
“To help Canadians return home, our government will set up a support program for Canadians that need to get on a plane, Canadian travellers will be able to get financial help to cover the costs of getting home, or for their basic needs while they are waiting to return to Canada,” the Prime Minister said.
The exceptions for who as a non-Canadian will be allowed include diplomats, aircrews, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and US citizens.
Only four airports will be accepting international flights, Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport.
Trudeau says the travel restrictions will not impact commerce or trade.
The PM says Canadians who are overseas must attempt to come home if possible. Once you arrive back to Canada you are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
How do you know if you are sick?
How do you stop it from spreading?
