225625
228935
BC  

B.C. premier calls for written self-isolation plans from travellers

Premier pumps up plans

YouTube CPAC

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.

B.C. has now introduced new measures to make sure British Columbians returning home from international destinations self-isolate and keep their communities safe from COVID-19.

These measures include a new legal requirement to provide a written self-isolation plan for 14 days.

"As we welcome British Columbians back home, we must stay vigilant and do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Premier John Horgan. "As we follow the advice and guidance of our provincial health officer, it's also important to take care of one another. By supporting people through a self-isolation plan after international travel, we will keep people safe and help flatten the curve."

International travellers (including from the United States) are required to provide a self-isolation plan before or upon arrival to B.C., regardless of their point of entry to Canada.

The document can be submitted online or completed in person on arrival but must show that returning travellers have supports in place to safely self-isolate for 14 days.

The new measures will take effect Friday, April 10, 2020, as provincial officials will be on hand at Vancouver International Airport and major land border crossings to make sure self-isolation plans are complete and to assist those who need it.

The premier also indicated that Emergency Management BC, through a network of community supports and volunteer organizations, will help travellers with necessary food deliveries, prescription drugs and other supplies so people can safely self-isolate for 14 days.

"The Province, through Service BC, will follow up with travellers in self-isolation with telephone calls and text messages to make sure people have the support they need to complete their mandatory self-isolation. If required, the Province will work with travellers to modify self-isolation plans to ensure public safety."

 


UPDATE 1:29 p.m.

Premier Horgan also indicated that flights from the United States, specifically Seattle will now stop as of tomorrow and the only destination in the west accepting U.S. flights will be Vancouver International Airport. Flights had been landing in Kelowna and on Vancouver Island but that will now end.


UPDATE 1:24 p.m.

B.C. premier John Horgan has announced mandatory self-isolation for all travellers, both on land and at airports, returning to British Columbia from international destinations.

"We need to make sure we are self-isolating if returning from areas where there are COVID-19 cases."


ORIGINAL 1:09 p.m.

B.C. premier John Horgan will address the public at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday ahead of the Easter long weekend about the province's COVID-19 response.

The premier is expected to address new protocols for people returning to B.C. amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. There are reports that the premier will be stepping up measures to enforce the federal Quarantine Act by screening international travellers returning to the province. 

The planned announcement comes as the government continues to warn residents to avoid all gatherings over the Easter long weekend and after closing all provincial campgrounds and parks.

Horgan spoke to media from the B.C. legislature last Wednesday.

-with files from CTV News Vancouver Island



More BC News

233021