Travel
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, KFL&A Public Health is in the Green - Prevent level of the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (français).
The public health measures in O.Reg 364/20 (français) under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 apply.
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
As of December 11, 2020 publicly funded testing centres (i.e., assessment centres and pharmacies) will no longer provide COVID-19 testing for the purpose of international travel. Private lab options are available in the Greater Toronto Area for individuals without symptoms who require testing before travelling.
If you must travel to other areas in Ontario, follow public health advice:
Before you go
- Consider the risks associated with travelling.
- Be aware of the status of COVID-19 at your destination. View regional status in Ontario.
- Check the local requirements for your destination (e.g., rules about face coverings).
- Drastically reduce close contact with others 10 to 14 days before travelling. This will help lower your risk of exposure to COVID-19 before travelling.
- Check your employer’s requirements for returning to work after travel.
During your trip
- Keep a 2 metre distance from people outside of your household.
- Wear a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm.
- Avoid spending time in large crowds or crowded areas.
- Monitor your health. If you become sick when you are travelling, self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19.
When you return
- Drastically reduce close contact with others for 10 to 14 days after returning home. This will help lower your risk of spreading COVID-19 after travelling, if you have been exposed.
- Self-monitor for symptoms.
- If you develop symptoms, self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19.
- Get tested for COVID-19 5 to 7 days after returning from home, even if you don't have symptoms.
Travel outside of Ontario
Individuals and families should avoid non-essential travel outside of the province.
Individuals and families who consider travelling to another province for essential reasons should:
- consider the risk associated with travelling. For example, consider the COVID-19 transmission and entry requirements (e.g., mandatory self-isolation) of the other province or territory.
- drastically reduce close contact with others 10 to 14 days before travelling and after returning home. This will help lower the risk of exposure to COVID-19 before travelling and spreading COVID-19 after travelling.
Travel outside of Canada
KFL&A Public Health recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 on day 10 to 12 of self-isolation, even if you do not have symptoms.
If you have questions about returning to Canada, call the Government of Canada COVID-19 info line at 1-833-784-4397.
Individuals and families should avoid non-essential travel outside of the country.
Individuals and families who consider travelling outside of the country for essential reasons should visit the Government of Canada website for information on:
- travel advisories
- staying safe during your trip
- requirements for entry back into Canada
Mandatory self-isolation when returning to Canada
The Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act to slow the spread of COVID-19. When returning from travel outside of Canada you are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 during quarantine, you must begin isolation for an additional 14 days from the date of your positive COVID-19 test or the date your symptoms started.
Travellers entering Canada must also provide their contact information through the:
- ArriveCan app (iOS or Android), or
- ArriveCan website, or
- a paper form.
You can use the ArriveCAN app to speed up your arrival process in Canada. Information can be submitted using the app within 48 hours before arriving in Canada.
Exemptions from mandatory self-isolation when returning to Canada
For more information about exemptions and how to apply, visit the Government of Canada website.
There are no exemptions from mandatory self-isolation for:
- a traveller who has tested negative for COVID-19 before travelling or during self-isolation.
- You could be exposed to the virus during travel and develop COVID-19 at any time during the 14-day period.
- a traveller who has recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection.
- There is a potential risk for re-infection.
You can apply for limited release from mandatory self-isolation for compassionate reasons, such as:
- to be present during the final moments of life for a loved one,
- attending a funeral,
- supporting a critically ill loved one, or
- providing care to someone who has a valid medical reason for needing it.
This release only applies to activities directly relating to the compassionate exemption. You’ll be expected to stay in self-isolation at all other times.
You are exempt from mandatory self-isolation if you:
- are listed as an exemption in the mandatory self-isolation order, and
- do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are exempt from mandatory self-isolation, you must still:
- self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolate if symptoms develop,
- wear a face covering while in public settings, if physical distancing cannot be maintained, and
- follow public health guidance and prevention measures from your local health authority.