The federal government announced a number of measures aimed at restricting the spread of COVID-19 through air travel last week, but the way the restrictions were announced, and some of the fine details, aren’t sitting well with everyone.  

The announcement Friday included an agreement between the federal government and all of Canada’s airlines to suspend flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30th. As well, those who will be flying into Canada will be required to have a negative pre-departure test. Those flying into Canada from an international destination will also be funnelled through to one of four airports: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. This includes any flights that were exempt from previous restrictions. 

The other restriction for all air travellers will see those coming into Canada having to reserve a room in a government-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, and take a COVID-19 test at their own cost after arriving.  

The timing of the restrictions, and the amount of details presented, doesn’t impress the MP for Souris-Moose Mountain, Dr. Robert Kitchen. 

“There’s no unity and uniformity to what they are doing,” Kitchen said of the announcement. “They’re not providing any clear plan or any concise information, which is extremely troubling.” 

The MP told Discover Weyburn he has received calls to all three of his constituency offices, as well as at his office in Ottawa, asking for clarification about the rules, when they will take effect, and how it will have an impact. Kitchen explained he didn’t have the answers for those who were asking.  

“They make those announcements, and then don’t even let us, as Members of Parliament, know exactly they’re doing and provide us with information such that we can answer clearly to our constituents,” Kitchen added. 

The announcement by the federal government included dates for when the flights would be suspended to Mexico and the Caribbean (January 31st) and when all flights will be funnelled through to the specified airports (February 3rd). No details were provided about when air travellers will begin to need to stay in the government-approved hotels, nor how it will impact other rules already in place concerning the 14-day mandatory quarantine. 

“You’ve got people that are going back and forth due to business, you’ve got people that are travelling because of other reasons, and that’s a huge challenge,” Kitchen said.  

While the announcement on Friday stated there would be limited exemptions to the new rules that were announced, not clarification was provided as to what the exemptions would be. It was also announced, with no further details provided, the federal government would be introducing a 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement for those crossing a land border as well, with no exceptions listed except for commercial truckers.