Mandatory Quarantine and NHL players
Date: May 4, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Branch/Agency: TB/CBSA
Issue:
Recent media attention surrounding NHL players rejoining their teams in Canada, and the requirement to self-isolate.
Proposed Response:
- In efforts to flatten the curve, the Government of Canada has taken a number of extraordinary measures at the border.
- These measures include restricting non-essential travel at the Canadian border, including travellers arriving from the U.S., while ensuring that travel which is essential for trade and commerce can continue to flow through during this pandemic.
- In order for a foreign national to be allowed to enter Canada, they must meet all requirements outlined in the respective Order in Council, as well as the requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Any travel deemed essential/non-discretionary is subject to the 14-day self-quarantine period.
- Each situation is decided on a case-by-case basis and based on the information made available to Border Services Officers at the time of entry.
Background:
Media Reporting
There is recent media attention on quarantine rules for NHL players. Should the NHL continue the 2019-2020 season, players coming to Canada to join their teams have been informed that they will be required to self-quarantine. This question was addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau, who stated that this matter needs to be looked at further, but at a minimum, quarantine would apply. The article covers whether the purpose of travel would be considered essential, and that decisions as it relates to sports would need to be made jointly with the United States. In addition, the article reports on the current restrictions on gatherings which would impact the return of sports.
Mandatory Quarantine
Effective April 15, 2020, the Government of Canada has implemented a federal Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requiring anyone entering Canada, whether by air, land or sea, to isolate for 14 days if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or, if not exempted, to quarantine themselves for 14 days if they do not have symptoms, in order to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
This applies to all people entering Canada with few exceptions — and captures those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and those who do not have symptoms.
These measures will help protect the health of individuals in question, any individuals with whom they may live and Canadians in general, including people who are vulnerable, such as adults aged 65 years or over and people with pre-existing medical conditions who are at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
Exemptions to the mandatory quarantine order are as follows:
Persons making necessary medical deliveries of cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs, or other similar lifesaving human body parts, that are required for patient care in Canada.
- Asymptomatic persons in the trade and transportation sector who are important for the movement of goods and people, including truck drivers and crew on any plane, train or marine vessel, and that cross the border while performing their duties or for the purpose of performing their duties.
- Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border regularly to go to work, including in the health care sector or critical infrastructure workers for the purpose of performing their duties.
- Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border to provide or receive essential services, including emergency responders and personnel providing essential services to Canadians related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Those exempt from the mandatory quarantine order are not, however, exempt from wearing a non-medical mask or face covering (protective layers of absorbent fabric, such as cotton that tightly fit over the nose and mouth and are secured to the face with ties or ear loops).
Contacts:
Prepared by: Jayden Robertson, COVID-19 Task Force, [REDACTED]
Approved by: Denis Vinette, Vice-President, Travellers Branch, [REDACTED]
- Date modified: