For all individuals permitted to enter Canada, self-Isolation is no longer an “ask” it is now mandatory. Minister of Health Patty Hajdu has announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. This order is now in effect.
The order, as of today, will be fully implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency at points of entry. The Government of Canada will use its authority under the Quarantine Act to ensure compliance with the order. Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or to both. Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canada to verify compliance.
All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order, with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services. Individuals exempt from the Order will still need to practice social distancing and self monitoring and contact their local public health authority if they feel sick.
The measure, which makes some exceptions for those the government of Canada deems essential workers such as health-care workers and truckers, allows for fines and even jail times for people who ignore the order to stay home. The Canada Border Services Agency said on Twitter that people coming into Canada at ports of entry will be asked to make a declaration:
