Canada to deny domestic travel for anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms

People exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied boarding domestic flights and trains starting on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday.

He explained Transport Canada has formalized new measures across the country to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, and people with symptoms should isolate and stay where they are.

“Here, on this beautiful Saturday, we should be staying home and not taking any steps that would be putting health care workers in danger,” Trudeau told reporters.

The new travel restrictions will take effect Monday at noon Eastern Time.

• See also:
  • Canadian military preparing for possible pandemic deployment
  • Pope Francis presides over a moment of prayer in an empty St. Peter’s Square
  • Med schools around the world are allowing students to graduate early

Trudeau didn’t elaborate on how transport workers would screen passengers, only saying it would be the responsibility of airlines and train companies.

In a statement, VIA Rail said staff would ask health questions and look for “visible signs of illness” prior to boarding.

Trudeau didn’t mention buses being included under the new rules, and when asked why he explained that some industries are under federal purview and some aren’t.

He also said closing provincial borders is “not something we are planning to do in the short term.”

Some provinces have implemented rules that arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days, the same as international travellers. But people are still allowed to move freely between the provinces, as long as they don’t have coronavirus symptoms.

WATCH LIVE: I’ll be back out in just a few minutes to give you my daily update on the COVID-19 situation and the steps the government is taking to help you and your business pull through. Catch it all here: https://t.co/HoTz4J9cqc

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 28, 2020