Canada may ban flights from certain countries

Canada has once again extended its ban on foreigners entering the country, but pressure is still building on the federal government because COVID-19 is actively spreading in Canada and border controls are not getting stronger.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said authorities will proceed cautiously, but travel restrictions could still tighten. The government is now considering options on how to reduce the virus entering Canada from abroad. This could include a ban on incoming flights from countries with an unfavourable epidemiological situation. Officials are watching the situation in the United Kingdom, which has banned flights from India.

This week, India recorded 250,000 cases of infection every day. Hospitals in the country are overcrowded and the death toll is rising. Doctors are investigating whether a new strain of the virus known as B.1.617 ("Indian strain") could be the cause. In December, Canada restricted flights from the UK for two weeks because of the spread of the British B.1.1.7 strain there.

In the past 2 weeks, 117 flights landed in Canada with at least one passenger with a confirmed COVID on board, with 29 flights coming from India, 20 from the US and 24 from Europe.

Currently, all passengers arriving in Canada are required to provide a negative test for COVID-19 upon boarding the plane and test twice upon arrival (on the day of arrival and on the 10th day). Passengers await the results of the first test at the quarantine hotel, then they are sent to a 14-day self-isolation.

Health Canada reports that about 1% of travellers get a positive test during their hotel stay.

Provincial authorities, in turn, are tightening restrictions on travel within the country. Ontario has installed roadblocks at the borders with Quebec and Manitoba, and in British Columbia, residents must travel only within the boundaries of their districts. Nova Scotia authorities are also urging those who live and work outside the province not to travel to the province.