Canadian travel to the US or other countries C-19 What’s up?

[Tank]

Looked but didn’t see what’s going on crossing the borders

Dave

 

[moonstone]

Looked but didn’t see what’s going on crossing the borders

Dave

I just read that Prime Minister Trudeau is considering a border closing. He is making a speech at noon from his self isolation so maybe he will announce something about it then.

I am currently wintering in Belize and flying home via Mexico in just over 2 weeks. I sure hope we don't have trouble getting home, I'm anxious to see my family.


-Diane

 

[MULTIZ321]

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Canada.ca

Links to COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for Canadians including current situation, statistics, financial support, your health, travel, immigration, safety and awareness resources.

www.canada.ca

.


Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

PM says Canada exploring whether to close border with U.S.

PM says Canada exploring whether to close border with U.S.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is exploring whether to close the Canada-U.S. border to slow the spread of COVID-19.Trudeau made the comments in a radio interview with CBC …

ottawasun.com

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Richard

 

[Ski-Dad]

At least three provincial governments have issued directive for public servants to self quarantine for a period of fourteen (14) days following international travel prior to returning to active duty. This includes the US.

In Nova Scotia this is a directive of the Chief Health Officer ("CHO") under the Health Protection Act. They have issued the same as a recommendation for the private sector.

This is interesting given Nova Scotia does not have a confirmed case of Covid19 yet. The CHO indicated it is unavoidable and the purpose of these initiatives is to 'flatten the curve". If they can slow the rate of infection, this will allow health institutions to treat those who are very sick without overwhelming the system.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

The border is not closed yet, but they have not ruled it out. Actions to control the spread of Covid-19 are changing rapidly here. The federal Minister of Health is now suggesting Canadians not travel outside the country at all, including to the USA. This may become more than a suggestion. Last year Canadian travellers to the USA spent almost $30 billion and US travellers to Canada spent almost $8 billion.

It would be a major and unprecedented action, since typically over 400,000 people per day cross the US/Canada border in both directions. We are each other's largest trading partner, with almost 20% of US exports going to Canada and almost 80% of Canadian exports going to the USA. So a sealed border would have a huge impact on the economies of both countries. Although no one seems to be talking about impeding the flow of goods and cargo, just potentially people. Almost half of our most recent Covid-19 cases have originated in people returning from the USA.

In the last two days in Ontario, as well as many other parts of Canada, we have gone from fairly "normal" to almost all large gatherings being shut down, at least temporarily. All large sporting venues are shut down. Most museums and many tourist attractions in Ottawa and Toronto (such as Casa Loma and the CN Tower) are now closed. The federal Finance Minister has announced a further cut in the central bank rate and the funding of a major support programme for small and medium enterprises affected by shut-downs and other impacts from fighting Covid-19.

Part of the reason given during the question period by the federal Minister of Health, is that there has been unilateral action without consultation by some "other" countries (read between the lines) and a lack of action and transparency about what is being done in "some" other countries to actively test for and stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. A not so subtle message, but can't possibly imagine to whom she might be referring.

 

[Maple_Leaf]

"Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice."

Travel Advice and Advisories

Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada.

travel.gc.ca

The message is pretty clear to me.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Canada issues COVID-19 advisories about travel, including self-isolation, air travel regulation changes, and more.

Canada issues COVID-19 advisories about travel, including self-isolation, air travel regulation changes, and more

The federal government explained what challenges travellers could face if they do travel abroad and what measures border security is taking.

www.straight.com

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Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

Ontario limits who can be tested for COVID-19 due to demand for nasal swabs.

Ontario limits who can be tested for COVID-19 due to demand for nasal swabs

As global demand for COVID-19 testing kits surges, Ontario has tightened its criteria for who is eligible for the tests.

www.ctvnews.ca

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Richard

 

[moonstone]

Canadian government urging Canadians who are aboad to come home while they still can. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-march-14-canada-world-1.5497761

We aren't scheduled to fly home from Belize until the 29th. I can think of worse places to be stuck, but I'm very worried about the availability and quality of health care here should we need it. DH & I are reasonably healthy mid 60 year olds but you never know what can happen.

-Diane

 

[MULTIZ321]

Canadians abroad urged to return home while 'commercial options still available'

Canadians abroad urged to return home while ‘commercial options still available’ | Globalnews.ca

The advice marks an escalation for the government, who previously urged Canadians to cancel or postpone non-essential trips.

globalnews.ca

Richard

 

[jabberwocky]

I'm wondering if there shouldn't be a distinction between US/Canada travel and places overseas which are only accessible via air.

Trying to decide whether to keep our trip to MCO next Saturday a go. So far am leaning towards going.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Canadians Frustrated After Airlines Update Cancellation Policy Amid Coronavirus.

Confusion, Hours-Long Waits For Canadians Trying To Cancel Flights

Customer service lines for Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat are jammed.

m.huffingtonpost.ca

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Richard

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Canadians Frustrated After Airlines Update Cancellation Policy Amid Coronavirus.

Confusion, Hours-Long Waits For Canadians Trying To Cancel Flights

Customer service lines for Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat are jammed.

m.huffingtonpost.ca

.

Richard

The link is working now, but initially it was broken and they said they were working on it. Maybe "frustrated" Canadians overwhelmed it, too, seeking information!!

Duh, I can't imagine why the lines are overwhelmed. Maybe it will help teach some people to quell their constant need for instant gratification, or not do everything at the very last minute, or stop using third-party providers because they think they are "cheaper".

Of course they are having trouble getting through! The call lines and websites have said as much and asked people to be patient and to help by only calling if your flight is within the next 72 hours. Most changes can be made online and change fees will be waived. No need to sit on the phone line for hours. They are trying to deal with the requests in a priority sequence. People can be so self-absorbed and impatient at times.

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

.....in a priority sequence.
People can be so self-absorbed and impatient at times.

yup-

the grocery store may be out of milk / the world isn’t running out of cows.

as a executive at a (toilet ) paper mfg stated -( quoting from memory) -

“ YOU ARE NOT USING MORE TOILET PAPER ; YOU’RE JUST FILLING YOUR CLOSET WITH IT

 

[Maple_Leaf]

Quebec Premier is asking seniors over age 70 to stay home until further notice.

Quebec child tests positive for coronavirus as premier urges seniors over 70 to stay home | Globalnews.ca

Quebec Premier François Legault is asking residents over the age of 70 to stay home until further notice.

globalnews.ca

 

[Foggy1]

Here's another source that has a lot of information. Search "Canadian Border Security"

 

[MULTIZ321]

Canadian Border Services Agency.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

2,299 minutes on hold: Canadian airlines are inundated with COVID-19 flight cancellations.

2,299 minutes on hold: Canadian airlines are inundated with COVID-19 flight cancellations

B.C. residents say they've spent hours on hold, or haven't been able to get through on phone lines at all, as people rush to cancel flights in the wake of new travel warnings from the Canadian government.

bc.ctvnews.ca

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Richard

 

[jabberwocky]

2,299 minutes on hold: Canadian airlines are inundated with COVID-19 flight cancellations.

2,299 minutes on hold: Canadian airlines are inundated with COVID-19 flight cancellations

B.C. residents say they've spent hours on hold, or haven't been able to get through on phone lines at all, as people rush to cancel flights in the wake of new travel warnings from the Canadian government.

bc.ctvnews.ca

.


Richard

It's too bad there wasn't a technology that would let you do this through your computer...

 

[bizaro86]

It's too bad there wasn't a technology that would let you do this through your computer...

I think they are showing those wait times to try and get people to do everything possible online. We called westjet to cancel tickets today. It wasn't possible to do so for us because we had used companion fare vouchers and westjet dollars for partial payment.

It took probably 30 tries to get through, but once we were on hold we only waited 1.5 hours. The website was showing a 37 hour wait at the time.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Canadians abroad amid COVID-19 pandemic face an uncertain scramble to get home or 'hunker
down'

Canadians abroad amid COVID-19 pandemic face an uncertain scramble to get home — or ‘hunker down’

Canadians abroad face hard choices amid uncertainty about local laws, flights and the COVID-19 pandemic’s spread.

www.thestar.com

Richard

 

[AJCts411]

Live at a boarder crossing...they are just asking a few more questions about where you have been and your health. Crossed Sun.

 

[Maple_Leaf]

Canadian border closed to non-citizens, except for US citizens.

Canada shutting the border to most non-citizens due to COVID-19: PM Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will be shutting the border to non-Canadian citizens, with the exception of, permanent residents, the immediate family members of Canadian citizens, diplomats, air crews, and U.S. citizens at this time.

www.ctvnews.ca

Anyone showing symptoms will also be denied entry regardless of citizenship.

 

[jabberwocky]

WestJet just cancelled all international flights as of Sunday, March 22 for 30 days.

https://blog.westjet.com/statement-on-operations-and-network-from-ed-sims/