The federal government is now warning Canadians against all non-essential international travel in the face of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Health minister Jean-Yves Duclos had a tough message for those wanting to travel.

“I say very clearly now is not the time to travel.  The rapid spread of the Omicron variant on the global scale makes us feel the worse for Canadians that may think of travelling.  Travelling Canadians could contract the virus or get stranded abroad.”

Duclos would not offer advice on domestic travel, adding that any travel restrictions within Canada will come from provincial governments.

The travel advisory is in effect for four weeks and will then be reassessed.

Duclos admits the measure may sound “very drastic” but says the government wants to avoid overloading the hospital system and health-care workers.

In addition, The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc is urging Canadians to be cautious as they head into the Christmas season.

This announcement follows a meeting Tuesday night between the premiers and Prime Minister Trudeau.