New travel advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada

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Published March 14, 2020 at 8:50 pm

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In response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has issued a new travel advisory.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is currently advising residents to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada, stating that the number of countries reporting cases of COVID-19 has been steadily increasing.

“In some countries, travellers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill,” the government says. “Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine.”

Residents who must travel are advised to take the following precautions for their health:

  • Practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently.
  • Avoid spending time in large crowds or crowded areas.
  • Avoid contact with sick people, especially if they have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  • Be aware of the local situation and follow local public health advice.
  • Monitor your health and, if you become sick, avoid contact with others except to see a health care professional.
  • Self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Canada (some provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups such as health care workers).

Travelers who develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days are advised to continue to isolate themselves from others and immediately call a health care professional or public health authority.

Additionally, those who return from Italy, Iran, or Hubei province in China will be asked to contact the public health authority in the province or territory where they live or are staying within 24 hours of arriving in Canada.

If you plan to travel, visit Canada’s travel advice and advisories page for your destination(s) regularly to verify travel health recommendations and safety and security information.

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