The Government of Canada is closing its borders to people who are not Canadian citizens. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau adressed the country saying the government is using increasingly aggressive steps to keep Canadian families safe. Air operators will be formally mandated to prevent all travellers who present symptoms of COVID 19 to board a plane. Air operators will have to conduct a basic health assessment of every air traveller which means anyone who presents symptoms cannot come to Canada.

“To help asymptomatic Canadians return home, our government will set up a support program for Canadians who need to get on a plane. Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering their basic needs, while they wait to come back to Canada.”

Starting this Wednesday, only four airports in Canada will be accepting international travellers. That includes Montreal Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, International airports in Vancouver and Calgary. For now, domestic flights and flights from the U-S and Mexico and St. Pierre Miquelon are not affected. The restrictions don’t apply to trade.

There are designated exceptions including: aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, and, at this time, US citizens. Trade will continue to flow regardless of these travel restrictions, according to the Prime Minister.

The Canadian government, in addition to instituting travel bans Monday, cautioned Canadian residents against panic buying or hoarding. Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu says they are working closely with the Retail Council of Canada to ensure supply chains. She also urged residents to remember their neighbours who may not be able to buy large amounts of product at a time and are being left without options. Minister Hajdu urges Canadians to to buy two weeks worth of food and essentials to have on hand in the event of self isolation but otherwise, just shop normally and….be kind to each other.