Canada to make hotel quarantines compulsory for inbound travellers

Travellers arriving in Canada via plane are soon to have to quarantine in selected hotels for up to three days while waiting for Covid-19 test results of mandatory PCR tests taken at airports.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added that the new measure would be in effect ‘as soon as possible in February’. From 3 February, international flights into the country will all be rerouted to four Canadian airports going forward: the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.

Travellers unsure if they are covered

The new rule concerning airport quarantine could cost each traveller more than CA$2,000, according to Trudeau. Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr Theresa Tam added that only specific hotels would be acceptable – those that offer infection prevention control measures, security and services that would result in ‘other costs’. “It´s not just a regular stay at a hotel,” she added.

The latest move forms part of Canada’s efforts to quell the increasing coronavirus case numbers, and discourages any non-essential travel into the country. For those that have already booked travel into Canada, however, there is much uncertainty over whether or not they will be able to travel before the hotel quarantine regulation comes into effect, and if not, whether they will be able to pay these hefty hotel bills. ITIJ predicts that there will be enquiries as to whether or not individual travel insurance policies (supposing they have it) cover individuals and their travelling party members for quarantine expenses. And, if not, insurers can expect a number of travel cancellation claims.