Key Takeaways:
- For the past two years, the rules governing travel during the COVID-19 pandemic have been puzzling, including several lesser-known restrictions that remain in effect.
- Masking makes sense whether or not someone has traveled, according to Vaisman, and it’s a good idea for people to think about their risks when masking.
For many people, the rules surrounding travel during the COVID-19 pandemic have been perplexing for the past two years, including certain lesser-known limitations that remain in effect.
When fully vaccinated travelers return home, they are subject to many federal requirements imposed under emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
Wearing a well-constructed mask in public places, even if local mask laws are not in effect, keeping a record of contacts 14 days after entering the country, and isolating for 10 days if a tourist tests positive — even if the province requires a shorter-term — are among them.
Several travelers told CTV News Toronto that they were unaware of the requirement concerning wearing a mask after entering the country. After learning about it, most stated they planned to continue wearing masks in public for the next 14 days of their stay in Canada.
Also read: COVID-19 PCR testing and treatment are being expanded in Ontario
When Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, spoke about the requirement at a press conference on Monday, it drew some notice.
“Please continue to follow the mask requirements still in effect,” he said. “As well as the federal government’s obligation for all overseas travelers.”
According to the federal government, the 14-day mask restriction in public settings applies to all travelers, whether by air or land, and even if it’s just for a day excursion.
While not readily enforced, according to Dr. Alon Vaisman, infection disease and infection control physician at University Health Network, the rule is expected to provide a minimum degree of protection for all Canadians.
“I don’t think it causes much of a difference whether people who fly back to Canada wear masks or not; the vast majority of Covid here in Ontario comes from transmission between individuals,” Vaisman said.
As the pandemic evolves, he believes it’s difficult to create regulations for different countries at different year periods.
According to Vaisman, masking makes sense whether or not someone has traveled, and it’s a good idea for people to consider their risks when masking.
He said to consider ventilation, the workplace, family members, and immunocompromised individuals.
Source: CTV news
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