New ban on air, train travel in Canada for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that as of Monday, boarding of domestic flights and trains will be denied to people showing any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Trudeau says it will be the responsibility of the airlines and rail companies to determine if someone is showing symptoms of coronavirus and deny them boarding.

Canada’s deputy chief public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo says they expect Canadians will follow the instruction of public health experts, adding it is every citizen’s “civic duty” to not travel if they are sick.

Premier Doug Ford says he plans to speak with Metrolinx, which operates the GO Transit system, to see how they will go about policing the new measure but he reiterated that “if you’re sick, stay isolated.”

VIA Rail said Saturday they have already begun to inform passengers about the new rules.

“The new measures we are implementing will reinforce our efforts to protect the health and safety of our passengers and employees as we continue to provide the public service in the best possible conditions under [these] difficult circumstances,” said Cynthia Garneau, president, and CEO said in a news release Saturday.

Trudeau added that despite the Transport Canada measure, there are no plans to close provincial borders at this time.

Trudeau once again urged Canadians to stay indoors in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, pointing out the social isolation measures have been showing promise, particularly in British Columbia.