Travel

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises that individuals and families:

• only travel out of the province if it is essential
• self-isolate for 14 days when arriving in or returning to Ontario

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.

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.

To slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act that applies to all travellers arriving in Canada.

Under this order, if you have recently returned to Canada you must self-isolate (quarantine) and stay home whether you have symptoms or not. Even if you do not have symptoms right away, you are at risk of developing them and infecting others.

If you need it, you will get immediate medical attention when you arrive in Canada.

Learn about travel advisories related to COVID-19

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.

Depending on how you have travelled, there are additional requirements for entry back into Canada and for your quarantine period.

• For international travellers returning by air
• For international travellers returning by land

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.