Know the rules around quarantining when entering Canada during Covid-19

Disclaimer: Please note that as Covid-19 is ongoing, the rules and regulations around the crisis change frequently. This blog post reflects the rules as of the date of publishing. No part of this blog post is intended to be used as legal advice.

Whether you were intending to go on vacation or a business trip, most travel plans in 2020 and 20201 have been cancelled due to Covid-19. However, people still need to cross the border into Canada for a variety of reasons. In order to keep the border open while controlling the spread of Covid-19, the government has introduced a variety of regulations including mandatory quarantining for all individuals entering Canada.

What is quarantine?

The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 8 defines quarantine as “separation of persons in such a manner as to prevent the possible spread of disease”. As part of the rules, every person must “provide to the Minister of Health a quarantine plan that includes the civic address where they plan to quarantine themselves during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada and their contact information for that period”.

The conditions for the quarantine plan are that the place must have a low likelihood of exposing a person to Covid-19, not be in contact with vulnerable persons, and where they will have access to the necessities of life. The government currently recommends people in quarantine ask a friend to drop groceries off outside their home, as they will be unable to access grocery stores. As part of the quarantine process, entrants to Canada will be expected to go directly to the location of their quarantine, and wear a medical mask to their destination. Additional stops cannot be made to pick up supplies.

Can I be exempt from quarantine?

Currently, certain classes of people are exempt from quarantine if they have not been diagnosed with Covid-19 and do not have any symptoms of the virus. Section 6 of the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 8 sets out exceptions to the quarantine. These persons must still provide contact information to the Minister of Health and must wear a non-medical mask or face covering when in a public setting where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Exceptions are laid out in section 6, Non-application – requirement to quarantine. These exceptions include transport crew members, people invited by the Minister of Health to assist in the Covid-19 response, military personnel entering Canada to perform their duties, people providing essential services as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, and others. To see updated regulations on who is exempt, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/mandate/about-agency/acts-regulations/list-acts-regulations.html. If you are exempt, consider having your employer write you a letter explaining your exemption, and confirming that you are needed within 14 days of returning to Canada.

If you intend on travelling to Canada during Covid-19 and have questions, call us at (647)-494-9599 or email info@law365.ca.