Canada is considering quarantining travelers at their own expense at a hotel when they enter the country in response to new variants of the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference on Friday that his government was prepared to draw up even stricter rules than the country already has in place.
“No one should be taking a vacation abroad at the moment,” Trudeau said. “If you’re planning one, cancel it. And do not book a trip for the spring break.”
Trudeau also said he discussed the range of options for further travel restrictions with Canadian prime ministers on Thursday. One of the options may include having travelers quarantine at a hotel rather than at their homes.
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Currently, Canada requires people entering the country to isolate themselves for 14 days and present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of arrival.
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Quebec Premier François Legault mentioned the potential for a mandate hotel quarantine during another press conference on Thursday.
(Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press via AP) “/> Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will hold a press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Friday, January 22, 2021. Trudeau said during the press conference that his government is prepared to draft even stricter regulations than the country has already introduced.
(Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press via AP)
According to a press release, Legault said it was considering “forcing anyone returning from travel to do a 14-day quarantine in a hotel room under supervision, for which they have to pay for themselves.”
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According to the announcement, Legault is discussing the measure – as well as a possible ban on non-essential international travel – with the federal government.
“While new variants of the virus are wreaking havoc in countries such as the United Kingdom, this is not the time for Quebecers to travel abroad,” the report said.
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Recent variants of the virus that originated in the UK, South Africa and Brazil appear to spread more easily, and scientists say it will lead to more cases, deaths and hospitalizations. They are also concerned about the possible ability to eventually reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
Associated Press contributed to this report