
Starting 9 a.m. B.C. time on Monday, people who display any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board a domestic flight or an inter-city train in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that move on Saturday, as part of additional measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus across the country.
“It will be important for operators of airlines and trains to ensure that people who are exhibiting symptoms do not board those trains,” said Trudeau. “It will be a Transport Canada rule that will be enforced, but at the same time, we’re telling people stay home if it’s not absolutely essential for you to travel.”
Airlines and rail companies with be given ‘further tools’ to prevent people showing symptoms from getting on planes and trains.
These new rules will not apply to commuter trains and inter-provincial buses, which Trudeau says is regulated by provincial and municipal governments.
“Some industries are not under federal jurisdiction but we do recommend and in fact we are putting rules in place to make sure people do not take any trips anywhere if they have COVID-19 symptoms,” he said.
The screening will include health questions and looking for visible symptoms of illness. Anyone who is denied from boarding a plane or a train will be denied for at least 14 days, unless they have a medical certificate proving that their symptoms aren’t related to COVID-19.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.