Coronavirus cases identified on flights at YVR in June: BCCDC

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A number of flights over the month of June were identified with passengers that had been diagnosed with coronavirus, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

The health authority’s website says six flights were identified over the past 30 days. This number includes domestic and international travel as well as flights where Vancouver was either the origin or destination of travel.

International:

Airline	Flight Number	Date	Origin	Destination	Affected Seats
Delta	3898	June 3	Seattle	Vancouver	n/a
Air Canada	557	June 18	Los Angeles	Vancouver	n/a

Domestic:

Airline	Flight Number	Date	Origin	Destination	Affected Seats
Westjet	166	June 3	Vancouver	Edmonton	n/a
Westjet	130	June 11	Vancouver	Calgary	n/a
Air Canada	217 (formerly 8737)	June 16	Saskatoon	Vancouver	n/a
Flair	8102	June 21	Toronto	Vancouver	n/a

Earlier this year, it was made mandatory that any passenger arriving in British Columbia from outside of Canada self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for two weeks. They were also required to complete and register a self-isolation plan.

The BCCDC says on its website that passengers would no longer be contacted directly if they sat near a confirmed case. Rather, updates are now posted on the BCCDC website.

“We recommend that flight passengers self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days following the flight,” says the health authority.

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On Tuesday afternoon, BC health officials spoke in depth about their concerns surrounding the relaxation of physical distancing measures on airplanes.

Specifically, companies such as WestJet and Air Canada have ended a policy that blocked the purchase of middle seats on aircraft to promote physical distancing.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed the scenario, saying that it’s critical that passengers don’t fly if they’re experiencing any symptoms of the cold or flu.

“I know Transport Canada will be working in the airlines to make sure everyone is safe,” she added. “But I think the other really, really important thing that we need to remember is that you should not be travelling if you are ill.”

She also mentioned that there had been occasions in the past week “where people have arrived with symptoms and have tested positive for COVID-19.”

Daily Hive has reached out to the BCCDC for additional comment.