Mandatory 14‑Day Quarantine and Entry Ban

Summary#

This issue records two federal orders made on June 29, 2020 that tighten Canada’s border and quarantine rules for COVID‑19. The first, Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 3, requires most people who enter Canada to quarantine or isolate for 14 days and sets mask and quarantine‑facility rules (in effect until August 31, 2020). The second, Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States), continues to bar most foreign nationals from entering Canada from countries other than the United States (in effect until July 31, 2020).

What it does#

• Requires every person who enters Canada to answer screening questions and provide requested information for the 14‑day period after entry.
• Requires asymptomatic travellers to quarantine for 14 days and symptomatic travellers to isolate for 14 days from the date they enter Canada.
• Requires people who must quarantine or isolate to wear a non‑medical mask or face covering when entering Canada and while in transit to their quarantine or isolation place; people exempted from quarantine must wear a mask in public when physical distancing is not possible.
• Lets the Chief Public Health Officer designate quarantine facilities and, if someone cannot safely quarantine where they land, directs them to government‑chosen quarantine facilities and government transport to get there.
• Allows one person to accompany a minor or someone who needs help for essential medical visits outside quarantine.
• Signals use of the ArriveCAN app (or electronic means) to collect information and help monitor compliance.
• Keeps in place a broad entry ban: most foreign nationals arriving from countries other than the United States remain prohibited, with listed exceptions (see next section).
• Notes enforcement: failure to comply can lead to prosecution with maximum penalties including a fine up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment up to three years, and tickets up to $1,000.

Who's affected#

• People entering Canada by air, land, rail or sea. This includes returning residents and foreign nationals.
• Foreign nationals trying to enter Canada from countries other than the United States — most are still prohibited, except specific exempt groups.
• Exempt groups include (non‑exhaustive):
  • crew members and certain maritime workers;
  • members of the Canadian Forces and visiting forces;
  • immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in some cases;
  • people invited by the Minister of Health to assist with the COVID‑19 response;
  • licensed health care professionals and some medical travellers;
  • people deemed to provide an essential service or whose entry is in the national interest.
• Operators and staff at ports of entry, quarantine facilities, transit services and health care facilities will also be involved in carrying out these rules.
• The exact list of exemptions and conditions is detailed in the orders; if it is unclear whether a specific person or visit qualifies, the order should be consulted.

Why it matters#

• The orders aim to reduce the chance that incoming travellers will bring COVID‑19 into Canada and start new outbreaks.
• Travellers must plan for a controlled 14‑day stay after arrival: they may need private accommodation, a mask for transit, and a plan for groceries or medical care. Some people who cannot safely quarantine at home could be moved into government quarantine facilities and transported there.
• The rules affect travel plans and who can enter Canada from abroad, and they carry significant penalties for non‑compliance.
• The measures are time‑limited (to July 31, 2020 and August 31, 2020 for the two orders) and could be changed or extended as the public‑health situation evolves.