Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine and Entry Ban

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice publishes two COVID-19 Orders from the Public Health Agency of Canada made on September 28, 2020 and published on October 10, 2020. They extend rules that generally require people entering Canada to quarantine or isolate for 14-day periods and continue a ban on most foreign nationals entering Canada from countries other than the United States. The Orders are in effect until October 31, 2020.

What it does#

• Sets a mandatory 14-day quarantine for people who enter Canada and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, and a mandatory 14-day isolation for those who do have or suspect they have COVID-19.
• Requires people entering Canada who must quarantine or isolate to wear a non‑medical mask or face covering:
  • when entering Canada, and
  • while in transit to a place of quarantine or isolation (unless alone in a private vehicle).
• Lets the Chief Public Health Officer direct people who cannot safely quarantine or isolate at home to a government‑selected quarantine facility and arrange government transportation to that facility.
• Gives screening officers, quarantine officers and designated public health officials the power to ask questions and request records from arriving travellers for the purpose of administering the Orders.
• Continues a rule that generally prohibits foreign nationals from entering Canada if they arrive from a country other than the United States, with a long list of exemptions for categories such as:
  • immediate family of Canadian citizens or permanent residents,
  • certain crew and transportation workers,
  • health‑care workers and people entering for essential medical services,
  • holders or approved applicants for certain work or study permits,
  • people whose presence is deemed in the national interest.
• Maintains that people may leave quarantine or isolation for medical emergencies or essential medical treatment, and in some cases one accompanying person may do so as well.
• Repeals the previous Orders of the same names and continues these measures under the Quarantine Act.
• States penalties for non‑compliance: fines up to $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for 3 years, and administrative tickets up to $1,000.

Who's affected#

• People entering Canada by air, land, rail or sea — including Canadian citizens and permanent residents — who must plan for a 14-day quarantine or isolation on arrival.
• Foreign nationals trying to enter Canada from countries other than the United States; most are barred unless they meet one of the listed exemptions.
• Travellers who cannot quarantine at home may be placed in a government quarantine facility and transported there.
• Workers in transportation, health care, and other essential services who are named in the exemptions.
• Families (immediate family members of Canadians/permanent residents) who may still be able to enter under specific rules.
• The Orders were developed in consultation with departments such as Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada and Global Affairs Canada (listed in the source).

If you are unsure whether you are exempt or how the rules apply to your situation, the Orders themselves contain the full lists and conditions.

Why it matters#

• If you plan to travel to Canada you must be ready to quarantine or isolate for 14-day on arrival and wear a mask during entry and transit. That affects travel plans, work, school and family reunions.
• If you cannot quarantine safely at home, the government can move you to a quarantine facility — that affects logistics and costs for your stay while there may be rules about who can accompany you for medical reasons.
• The ban on most foreign nationals arriving from non‑US countries limits non‑essential international travel to Canada and may block tourists and many temporary visitors.
• There are significant legal penalties for breaking the rules, so compliance matters for individuals and household planning.