The federal government announced Wednesday it is now mandatory for travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate.
Previously, returning travellers have been requested to do so. On Wednesday, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced the government is invoking the Quarantine Act. Mandatory quarantines will kick in at midnight tonight (Wednesday).
Returning travellers will have to enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival back into the country.
"This new measure will provide the clarity for those re-entering the country about the essential need to self-isolate," she told the Senate on Wednesday.
"Individuals who exhibit symptoms upon arrival in Canada will be forbidden, also, from using public transit to travel to their places of isolation."
The health minister said returning travellers will be banned from quarantining in any place where they can come into contact with vulnerable people and the public health agency will help make alternative arrangements for people if needed.
Officials at the border will start collecting the contact information of returning travellers to follow up with them.
More information on detailed quarantine enforcement is expected later Wednesday.
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