Additional hotels authorized for quarantining passengers in Vancouver

The Federal Government has authorized additional hotels to accommodate quarantined travellers upon returning to Canada.

Starting today, further preventative measures will take effect for international travellers coming into Canada. Travellers will have to take a second COVID-19 test upon arriving in the country and a third at the end of their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

As they await their results, they will be required to quarantine at a supervised hotel at their own expense. According to the federal government, accommodations will cost $2,000 per person — which includes the cost of private tests and the hotel stay.

When the list was first released last week, only one hotel in British Columbia, the Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport, had been approved for use. The following four hotels near the YVR Vancouver International Airport have since been added:

• Days Inn by Wyndham
• Fairmont Vancouver Hotel
• Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel
• Radisson Vancouver Airport

Three-night stays at approved hotels must be booked prior to arrival in Canada. They are available by phone only and must be booked by GB Travel Canada Inc. — bookings can’t be made directly with the hotels.

If travellers test negative for COVID-19, they will be allowed to complete the rest of their 14-day quarantine at home, albeit with enhanced supervision, or continue to their final destination.

Should they receive a positive test result for COVID-19, however, they will be taken to a government facility.

• See also: 
  • Canada to begin COVID-19 testing at land borders today
  • COVID-19 UK variant detected at three Surrey schools
  • Mandatory hotel quarantine for international travellers to take effect on February 22

Vaccinated individuals will not be exempt from the new measures.

Earlier this month, the federal government implemented stricter travel measures requiring all air travellers bound for Canada to present a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test in order to fly.

In addition, beginning next week, all international flights will only be allowed to land at four airports; Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.

As well, major Canadian airlines are cancelling air service to sun destinations, including the Caribbean and Mexico, starting this Sunday until April 30.

With files from Zoe Demarco.