13 June, 2020

Arriving air passengers in Canada will have to have temperature checks says Justin Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that airline passengers will be required to have temperature checks before that are allowed to fly and anyone with a fever will be grounded.

The “Temperature checks will not be detecting people with COVID-19,” Mr Trudeau said during a news conference, adding “It’s an extra layer of safety to encourage people who might feel sick to stay home and not put others at risk.”

The current plan is for the new screening to be phased in gradually, new arrivals into Canada will be screened by the end of June at their point of origin, whilst those passengers leaving the country and those flying within Canda will be screened by the end of July.

Canada and the United States look set to extend the current ban on non-essential travel to the end of July as the spread of the coronavirus is still out of control in many places in the two neighbours. Although the virus has slowed in recent days in Canada, however as businesses are set to reopen following a general relaxation of restrictions in different regions, there is expected to be an increase in the number of new infections.

If a traveller is found to have a fever,  they will get a second check ten minutes later and if it is still high then,  they will be required to rebook their travel plans no earlier than 14 days time. 



Marc Garneau, the Minister of Transport said: “As Minister of Transport, my highest priority is the safety and security of Canadians and the transportation system. We have already introduced measures to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, including mandating face coverings, and publishing health guidance for the air industry. Mandatory temperature screenings are yet another measure in our multi-layered approach to help protect the safety of the travelling public and air industry workers.”



What you also need to know.

     If you are travelling by plane from and within Canada, you are required to bring your own face covering. In light of the evolving situation with COVID-19, all passengers and non-passengers must wear a face covering and place it over their mouth and nose before entering the screening checkpoint. You can use disposable or homemade facemasks, scarves, bandanas, or any type of material that covers your nose and mouth and is secured to your head. If you cannot wear a face covering for medical or health reasons, you'll need to let the screening officers know before going through the checkpoint.


Airport temperature screening has been endorsed by the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Canadian implementation is necessary to help align with measures taken by an increasing number of international partners and will help build confidence and trust in the global aviation system.






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