Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Number 31: ORDERS IN COUNCIL

July 31, 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

QUARANTINE ACT

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States)

P.C. 2021-731 July 20, 2021

Whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion, based on the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization, that there is an outbreak of a communicable disease, namely coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in the majority of foreign countries;

Whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that the introduction or spread of COVID-19 would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada;

Whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that the entry of persons into Canada who have recently been in a foreign country may introduce or contribute to the spread in Canada of COVID-19 or of new variants of the virus causing COVID-19 that pose risks that differ from those posed by other variants but that are equivalent or more serious;

And whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 are available;

Therefore, His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of Canada in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act^{footnote a}, makes the annexed Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States).

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States)

Definitions

1 The following definitions apply in this Order.

Canadian Forces

means the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada. (Forces canadiennes)

common-law partner

has the same meaning as in subsection 1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (conjoint de fait)

dependent child

has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (enfant à charge)

extended family member,

in respect of a person, means

(a) an individual who is 18 years of age or older and is in an exclusive dating relationship with the person — who is also 18 years of age or older — and who has been in such a relationship for at least one year and has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the course of the relationship;
(b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) a child, other than a dependent child, of the person, of the person’s spouse, of the person’s common-law partner or of the individual referred to in paragraph (a);
(d) a dependent child of the child referred to in paragraph (c);
(e) a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
(f) a grandparent of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner. (membre de la famille élargie)

foreign national

has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (étranger)

immediate family member,

in respect of a person, means

(a) the spouse or common-law partner of the person;
(b) a dependent child of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
(c) a dependent child of the dependent child referred to in paragraph (b);
(d) the parent or step-parent of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
(e) the guardian or tutor of the person. (membre de la famille immédiate)

international single sport event

means an event that is governed by a sport’s International Federation or its regional or continental counterpart, that has a nationally or internationally established qualification process and that is identified as part of the long-term development plans for high-performance national team athletes of the National Sport Organization for that sport. (événement unisport international)

permanent resident

has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident permanent)

protected person

has the same meaning as in subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (personne protégée)

Quarantine Order

means the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). (Décret visant la quarantaine)

study permit

has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (permis d’études)

temporary resident

means a temporary resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident temporaire)

Prohibition

2 A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada if they arrive from any country other than the United States.

Non-application

3 (1) Section 2 does not apply to

(a) an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act;
(a.1) an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act if they
- (i) have a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian that is signed,
- (ii) are authorized, in writing, by an officer designated under subsection 6(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter Canada;
(b) a person who is authorized, in writing, by an officer designated under subsection 6(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter Canada for the purpose of reuniting immediate family members;
(c) a crew member as defined in subsection 101.01(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations or a person who seeks to enter Canada only to become such a crew member;
(d) a member of a crew as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations or a person who seeks to enter Canada only to become such a member of a crew;
(e) a person who is exempt from the requirement to obtain a temporary resident visa under paragraph 190(2)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the immediate family members of that person;
(f) a person who seeks to enter Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response;
(g) a person who arrives by any means of a conveyance operated by the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defence;
(h) a member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, and the immediate family members of that member;
(i) a French citizen who resides in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and has been only in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the United States or Canada during the period of 14 days before the day on which they arrived in Canada;
(j) a person or any person in a class of persons who, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer appointed under subsection 6(1) of the Public Health Agency of Canada Act,
- (i) does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health, or
- (ii) will provide an essential service while in Canada;
(k) a person or any person in a class of persons whose presence in Canada, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, is in the national interest;
(l) the holder of a valid work permit as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
(m) a person whose application for a work permit referred to in paragraph (l) was approved under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and who has received written notice of the approval but who has not yet been issued the permit;
(n) a person who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of attending a listed institution, and the immediate family members of that person other than a dependent child of a dependent child of the person, if
- (i) the person holds a valid study permit,
- (ii) the person may apply for a study permit when entering Canada under section 214 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or
- (iii) the person’s application for a study permit was approved under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and they received written notice of the approval but have not yet been issued the permit;
(o) a person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
(p) a person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
(q) a licensed health care practitioner with proof of employment in Canada;
(r) a person who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices;
(s) a person who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of donating or making medical deliveries of stem cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs or other body parts that are required for patient care in Canada while this Order is in effect or within a reasonable period of time after the expiry of this Order;
(t) a person whose application for permanent residence was approved under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and who received written notice of the approval, but who has not yet become a permanent resident under that Act;
(u) a worker in the marine transportation sector who is essential for the movement of goods by vessel, as defined in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of performing their duties in that sector;
(v) a person who seeks to enter Canada to take up a post as a diplomat, consular officer, representative or official of a foreign country, of the United Nations or any of its agencies or of any intergovernmental organization of which Canada is a member and the immediate family members of that person;
(w) a person who arrives at a Canadian airport aboard a commercial passenger aircraft and who is transiting to a foreign country and remains in a sterile transit area, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, until they leave Canada; or
(x) a person who seeks to enter Canada on board a vessel, as defined in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, that is engaged in research and that is operated by or under the authority of the Government of Canada or at its request or operated by a provincial government, a local authority or a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group.

Listed institution

(1.1) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(n), a listed institution is an institution that is

(a) determined, by the government of the province in which the institution is located, to have appropriate measures in place to ensure that the students who attend the institution can meet applicable obligations under the Quarantine Order; and
(b) included in a list that is published by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration on its website, as amended from time to time, for the purposes of this Order.

Prohibition — signs and symptoms

(2) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from any country other than the United States if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, if they exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever and cough or a fever and difficulty breathing, or if they know they have COVID-19.

Prohibition — other orders

(2.1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from any country other than the United States if, based on the purpose of entry or the anticipated length of their stay, they cannot comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order.

Prohibition — optional or discretionary purpose

(3) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from any country other than the United States if they seek to enter for an optional or discretionary purpose, such as tourism, recreation or entertainment.

Non-application — immediate or extended family member

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a foreign national who is an immediate family member or extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act if the foreign national seeks to enter Canada to be with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian and can demonstrate their intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.

Non-application — national interest

(5) Subsection (3) does not apply to a person referred to in paragraph (1)(k).

Non-application — compassionate grounds

3.1 Section 2 and subsections 3(2.1) and (3) do not apply to a foreign national if

(a) the Minister of Health determines that the foreign national seeks to enter Canada in order to engage in one of the following activities:
- (i) to attend to the death of or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act, who is residing in Canada and who is deemed to be critically ill by a licensed health care practitioner,
- (ii) to provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act, who is residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care practitioner to have a medical reason that they require support, or
- (iii) to attend a funeral or end-of-life ceremony;
(b) in the case where a foreign national is, based on the purpose of entry and the anticipated length of their stay, unable to comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order, the Minister of Health
- (i) has not received written notice from the government of the province where an activity referred to in paragraph (a) will take place indicating that government opposes the non-application of section 2 and subsections 3(2.1) and (3) to persons who engage in that activity in that province and who are unable to comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order, and
- (ii) determines, if the foreign national seeks to engage in an activity referred to in paragraph (a) at a location other than a public outdoor location, that the person in charge of the location does not object to the foreign national being present to engage in that activity at that location; or
(c) the foreign national has obtained a limited release from the requirement to quarantine on compassionate grounds under the Quarantine Order in order to engage in an activity referred to in paragraph (a).

Non-application — international single sport event

3.2 (1) Section 2 and subsection 3(3) do not apply to a foreign national who is authorized by a letter of authorization issued under subsection (2) to enter Canada to take part in an international single sport event as a high-performance athlete or to engage in an essential role in relation to that event, if they are affiliated with a national organization responsible for that sport.

Letter of authorization

(2) The Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage may, if that Deputy Minister considers it appropriate, issue a letter of authorization to enter Canada after receiving, from the individual or entity responsible for the international single sport event,

(a) the names and contact information of all foreign nationals referred to in subsection (1); and
(b) a letter of support for the entry into Canada of all foreign nationals referred to in subsection (1) from both the government of the province where the international single sport event will take place and the local public health authority.

Cancellation or withdrawal of support

(3) Despite subsection (1), a foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from any country other than the United States to take part in an international single sport event if the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage withdraws the letter of authorization for one of the following reasons:

(a) the event is cancelled by the individual or entity responsible for the event; or
(b) the local public health authority or the government of the province withdraws the letter of support.

Non-application — Order

4 This Order does not apply to

(a) a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act;
(b) a protected person; or
(c) a person who enters Canadian waters, including the inland waters, or the airspace over Canada on board a conveyance while proceeding directly from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada, if the person was continuously on board that conveyance while in Canada and
- (i) in the case of a conveyance other than an aircraft, the person did not land in Canada and the conveyance did not make contact with another conveyance, moor or anchor while in Canadian waters, including the inland waters, other than anchoring carried out in accordance with the right of innocent passage under international law, or
- (ii) in the case of an aircraft, the conveyance did not land while in Canada.

Powers and obligations

5 For greater certainty, this Order does not affect any of the powers and obligations set out in the Quarantine Act.

Repeal

6 The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States)^{footnote 1} is repealed.

Effective period

7 This Order has effect for the period beginning at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day on which it is made and ending at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 21, 2021.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order.)

Proposal

This Order in Council, entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States), is made pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act.

In effect, the Order repeals and replaces Order in Council P.C. 2021-614 of the same name, which came into force on June 21, 2021.

The new Order complements any Order made under the Quarantine Act imposing testing, isolation or quarantine requirements upon entry into Canada.

This Order will be in effect from 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, on the date it is made until 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, August 21, 2021.

Objective

This Order maintains Canada’s focus on reducing the introduction and further spread of COVID-19 by decreasing the risk of importing cases from outside the country. The Order generally continues to prohibit entry into Canada of foreign nationals arriving from countries other than the United States unless they meet a specified list of exemptions. Even those who are exempted from the general prohibition may not enter if they have COVID-19, or if they exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Background

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus capable of causing severe illness, named the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is part of a family of viruses that includes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious than SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease is caused by a new strain of coronavirus never before seen in humans. Information about the virus, how it causes disease, whom it affects, and how to appropriately treat or prevent illness has been developing over the past months but continues to be based on best practices approaches to coronaviruses at large. Originally seen to be a local outbreak, COVID-19 has now affected the majority of countries around the globe. The science surrounding the virus continues to evolve.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks. The droplets vary in size, from large droplets that fall to the ground rapidly (within seconds or minutes) near the infected person, to smaller droplets, sometimes called aerosols, which linger in the air in some circumstances.

COVID-19 has been demonstrated to be a severe, life-threatening respiratory disease. Patients with COVID-19 present symptoms that may include fever, malaise, dry cough, shortness of breath, and damage to the lungs. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death. Older individuals and those with a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of severe disease. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is currently estimated to be up to 14 days, with a median of 5 to 6 days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of what is now known as COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 has demonstrated that it can cause widespread illness if not contained. The WHO continues to provide technical guidance and advice to countries for containing the pandemic, including identification of cases and recommendations for measures to prevent further spread. Since September 2020, multiple countries have detected SARS-CoV-2 variants whose mutations may increase pathogenicity and/or transmissibility and potentially reduce vaccine effectiveness; these are referred to as variants of concern. The introduction of the new variants of concern of the virus causing COVID-19, which are suspected of being more transmissible, may further worsen the negative health impacts of COVID-19.

Testing

Testing capabilities have advanced significantly over the past several months. Over 197 countries and territories require a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test or medical certificate as a condition of entry into their jurisdictions. The United States, for instance, currently requires that all travellers to the United States have evidence of a negative pre-departure molecular or antigen test three days prior to boarding a flight to the United States. The United States is also actively exploring its approach to the land borders. As of April 2, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated its recommendations for fully vaccinated travellers, advising them that, although pre-arrival testing continues to be required, they are no longer required to quarantine after arriving in the United States.

COVID-19 molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) tests, have a higher sensitivity for detecting COVID-19 over the duration of infection, and they are also able to detect most symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. An antigen test is more likely to miss a COVID-19 infection compared to a molecular test, such as a PCR test. Therefore, molecular tests are more accurate for use in pre-departure screening.

Available science demonstrates that, as is the case with many other viruses, a person may continue to obtain a positive molecular test result up to 90 days after their infection, even though they are no longer considered infectious. Positive test results of previously infected individuals should not be considered as evidence of a new infection posing risk, but rather that a person has recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection. Since a positive test result may inadvertently prevent a recovered patient from entering Canada, acceptable proof of prior infection from an asymptomatic traveller is accepted as an alternative to the requirement to test upon arrival and (for unvaccinated air travellers) to go into a government-authorized accommodation. Requiring that prior positive test results be obtained no sooner than 14 days before the initial scheduled departure (by air) or arrival (by land) allows for the time needed to become non-infectious, thus preventing those persons who may be infectious from travelling and possibly transmitting COVID-19 upon travel to Canada.

The Government of Canada conducted a number of pilot programs with provincial governments and industry stakeholders at select airports and border crossings. These pilot programs demonstrated that the frequency of people coming into Canada with COVID-19 was approximately 1–2%, meaning that at least one person on every flight with 100 passengers to Canada has the virus responsible for COVID-19. In all, 68.5% of cases tested positive upon arrival. An additional 25.8% of positive cases were identified at day 7 of their quarantine period, with another 5.6% identified by day 14. As of July 15, 2021, since implementation of pre-departure, on arrival, and post-arrival testing in February 2021, the Government has continued to see a total overall test positivity rate of 1.0% of travellers arriving by air and 0.2% test positivity rate of travellers arriving by land.

Vaccination

Another technological development assisting in pandemic control measures is the advent of new vaccines against COVID-19. As of July 8, 2021, the CDC has reported that over 183 million people in the United States (55.2% of the total population) have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 158 million people (47.7% of the total population) have been fully vaccinated. By comparison, as of July 10, 2021, more than 26 million Canadians (68.8% of the total population) have received at least one dose, and more than 16 million (43.7% of the total population) are fully vaccinated. It is important to note that this data specifically references total populations of both countries due to difficulties in acquiring accurate information on the population of individuals who are eligible for a vaccine in the United States.

Assuming the continued supply of safe and effective vaccines, it is expected that there will be enough vaccines to immunize all Canadians for whom vaccines are approved and recommended. The Government of Canada anticipates that this will be achievable by September 2021.

Knowledge of the duration of the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing asymptomatic infection and reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other individuals is rapidly evolving. At this time, studies suggest that vaccinations may be able to reduce viral loads, and possibly infectiousness; there is emerging evidence suggesting that vaccines have an impact on preventing transmission. Vaccinated individuals appear less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are therefore less likely to transmit infection to others. In addition, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that vaccinated individuals, if infected, are less likely to spread infection than unvaccinated infected people. Emerging evidence-based scientific data and experience will help inform future Government of Canada action in this area.

The COVID-19 Screening and Testing Expert Panel released its fourth report entitled Priority strategies to optimize testing and quarantine at Canada’s borders on June 8, 2021, which subdivided travellers into five categories based on their vaccination status, whether they had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and whether or not they were exempt from existing border measures. The panel recommended that fully vaccinated travellers could be treated differently from those who are either partially vaccinated (single dose of a two-dose schedule) or unvaccinated.

While the CDC have announced that persons who are fully vaccinated may stop wearing masks and maintaining physical distance in some indoor and outdoor settings, they continue to recommend masking and distancing for activities such as receiving medical services and travelling by public transportation. It also continues to require pre-departure testing for all travellers to the United States, including those who are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 situation globally

Canada continues to have a Level 3 travel health notice for all countries, including the United States, advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada. Recently, the United States has reduced the level of some of its travel health notices, including reducing the level of the travel health notice for Canada from Level 4 to Level 3.

According to the WHO weekly report, as of July 11, 2021, the African Region reported over 213 000 new cases and over 5 000 new deaths, a 5% and a 50% increase respectively as compared to the previous week. The Region of the Americas reported over 962 000 new cases and over 23 000 new deaths, a 3% and an 11% decrease respectively as compared to the previous week. Overall, cases continue to decline in this region; however, several countries continued to report significant increases including a 38% increase in new cases in the United States (128 482). The Eastern Mediterranean Region reported just under 307 000 new cases and over 3 700 new deaths, a 25% and a 7% increase respectively as compared to the previous week. Cases in the European Region have been steadily increasing over the past month and this week, the Region reported over 653 000 new cases, a 20% increase as compared to the previous week. In the Western Pacific Region, over 147 000 new cases and over 1 800 new deaths were reported, a 15% increase and a 3% decrease respectively as compared to the previous week. The South-East Asia Region is reporting another resurgence in cases with over 712 000 new cases reported in the Region this week, a 16% increase as compared to the previous week.

Globally, many countries are struggling to manage their domestic COVID-19 situation due in part to the emergence of variants of concern (most notably Delta) and concurrent easing of domestic lockdown restrictions. As of July 11, 2021, the countries reporting the highest number of new cases in the previous seven days were Brazil (333 030 new cases; 9% decrease), India (291 789 new cases; 7% decrease), Indonesia (243 119 new cases; 44% increase), the United Kingdom (210 277 new cases; 30% increase), and Colombia (174 320 new cases; 15% decrease).

In many countries, the spread of more contagious variants of concern has contributed to a third wave. Several new variants of the virus with higher transmissibility detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil and India have now been identified in many countries around the globe, including Canada and the United States, which have seen an increasing number of variant cases. As of July 11, 2021, the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant is reported in 178 countries, the B.1.351 (Beta) variant is reported in 123 countries, the P.1 (Gamma) variant is reported in 75 countries and the B.1.617 (Delta) variant is reported in 111 countries across all six WHO regions. All four of these variants have been detected in the United States, the most prevalent being the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant; however, the prevalence of the B.1.617 (Delta) variant has been increasing rapidly.

The WHO has published an interim guidance document providing national authorities with a step-by-step approach to decision making for calibrating risk mitigation measures and establishing policies to allow for safe international travel, but currently, there is no internationally accepted standard for establishing travel thresholds or assessing a country’s COVID-19 risk. At this time, it is the view of the Government of Canada that travel continues to present a risk of importing cases, including cases of new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 and increases the potential for onward community transmission of COVID-19. Efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern continue.

The heightened risk posed by the accelerated spread of these variants places some jurisdictions at a likelihood of increased COVID-19 transmission. There remains the potential for a resurgence of travel-related cases in Canada if the border restrictions between any other country and Canada were to be broadly lifted at this time.

COVID-19 situation in Canada

Domestically, the situation is improving. Case counts in Canada have declined significantly in the past weeks, and several provinces and territories have begun easing lockdown measures and published plans for a phased reopening. Nationally, the daily incidence rate as of July 14, 2021, has dropped. Canada’s case count as of July 15, 2021, stood at 1 422 246 with 4 848 considered active cases.

As of July 15, 2021, there were 253 447 cases involving variants of concern in Canada reported via national case reporting, with the majority being the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant. The B.1.617 (Delta) variant first identified in India is proving to have the highest transmissibility rates of all variants of concern and has become the most dominant strain circulating in the United Kingdom. The Delta variant is now also identified in most provinces and territories.

As a result of measures limiting optional or discretionary travel into Canada, the number of travel-related COVID-19 cases remains a fraction of the imported cases seen at the beginning of the pandemic. Canada has seen an 87% decrease in the number of travellers arriving from the United States in June 2021 compared to June 2019, and a 93% decrease among international travellers arriving from all other countries for the same period.

However, the rate of importation increased in March and April 2021, driven by a number of factors, including the introduction of mandatory Canadian border testing measures that increased case detection, a worsening global situation, and an increase in the number of imported cases from India and Pakistan. Following the April 22, 2021, implementation of a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that restricted direct flights from India and Pakistan and a Transport Canada interim order that required indirect travellers from these countries to obtain a negative COVID-19 test from a third country, the rate of case importation into Canada decreased in May. The NOTAM and interim order were lifted for Pakistan on June 22, 2021, while they were extended for India until July 21, 2021.

A certain proportion of travellers will require the use of clinical resources for care. In addition, infected travellers can cause secondary transmission to household members or in the community. If travellers are to continue to enter Canada, it is important to reduce the risk of travellers introducing cases of COVID-19 and new variants of concern into Canada as much as possible. Based on a current review of international experience with new variants, maintaining measures that leverage the availability of testing technologies, combined with aggressive vaccination programs, will further prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 or new variants of concern in Canada.

Government of Canada response to COVID-19 pandemic

The Government of Canada’s top priority is the health and safety of Canadians. To limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada, the Government of Canada has taken unprecedented action to implement a comprehensive strategy with layers of precautionary measures. Measures include the establishment of a more than $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund, restrictions on entry into Canada for optional or discretionary travel, restrictions on cruise ship travel in Canada, and mandatory quarantine and isolation measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Between February 3, 2020, and July 1, 2021, 57 emergency orders were made under the Quarantine Act to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Canada. These emergency orders reduce risks from other countries, facilitate repatriation of Canadians, and strengthen measures at the border to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Canada. Together, these measures have been effective in reducing the number of travel-related cases.

Changes to international travel restrictions and advice are based on national and international evidence-based risk assessments. The Government of Canada recognizes that entry prohibitions, mandatory quarantine requirements, and testing protocols place significant burdens on the Canadian economy, Canadians, and their immediate and extended families. The Government will consider a blend of criteria, including hospital capacity, infection rates, variants of concern and eligible population vaccination rates, when determining when to transition through the phases of reopening.

With new, more transmissible variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 in countries around the world, the Government of Canada continues to take a data-driven, scientific evidence and precautionary approach to its border measures for travellers entering Canada. The Government of Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures is grounded in meeting specific public health criteria, and based on scientific evidence and the epidemiological situation in Canada and globally. Recently, the Government of Canada took its first step toward easing border measures by removing quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers eligible to enter Canada. The Government of Canada will continue to review the available evidence and monitor the situation to determine future border measures adjustments to protect the health and safety of Canadians by reducing the further introduction and transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

Implications

Key impacts for travellers

By limiting the number of incoming foreign nationals, Canada has taken strict border measures to limit the risk of the introduction or spread of COVID-19 transmitted via travellers from foreign countries, while maintaining critical services and support necessary for Canada.

This Order will continue to generally prohibit foreign nationals from entering Canada from countries other than the United States, unless they meet a specified list of exemptions and are entering for specified purposes. Foreign nationals travelling for any purpose will continue to be denied entry into Canada if they have COVID-19, have reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19 or are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, subject to certain narrow exceptions. The enforcement of the prohibition on entry for foreign nationals who arrive exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, despite having appeared healthy prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel, may be deferred to the extent required to maintain public health and ensure the safety of the commercial transportation system.

The Government of Canada recognizes that the ongoing general restrictions on entry into Canada have significantly impacted the Canadian economy. However, the measures taken by the Government of Canada continue to be necessary to address the serious health threat posed by COVID-19.

Penalties

Failure to comply with this Order and other related measures under the Quarantine Act is an offence under the Act. The maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for three years, or both. Non-compliance is also subject to fines under the federal Contraventions Act.

Consultation

The Government of Canada has engaged provinces and territories to coordinate efforts and implementation plans. In addition, given linkages to departmental mandates and other statutory instruments, there has been consultation across multiple government departments, including the Canada Border Services Agency; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; Transport Canada; Public Safety Canada; Health Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Employment and Social Development Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; the Canadian Armed Forces; Canadian Heritage; and Global Affairs Canada.

Contact

Kimby Barton
Public Health Agency of Canada
Telephone: 613‑960‑6637
Email: kimby.barton@canada.ca

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

QUARANTINE ACT

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)

P.C. 2021-730 July 20, 2021

Whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that the introduction or spread of COVID-19 would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada;

And whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 are available;

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)

Definitions

1 The following definitions apply in this Order.

common-law partner

has the same meaning as in subsection 1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (conjoint de fait)

dependent child

has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (enfant à charge)

extended family member,

in respect of a person, means

(a) an individual who is 18 years of age or older and is in an exclusive dating relationship with the person — who is also 18 years of age or older — and who has been in such a relationship for at least one year and has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the course of the relationship;
(b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) a child, other than a dependent child, of the person, of the person’s spouse, of the person’s commonlaw partner or of the individual referred to in paragraph (a);
(d) a dependent child of the child referred to in paragraph (c);
(e) a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
(f) a grandparent of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner. (membre de la famille élargie)

foreign national

has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (étranger)

immediate family member,

in respect of a person, means

(a) the spouse or common-law partner of the person;
(b) a dependent child of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
(c) a dependent child of the dependent child referred to in paragraph (b);
(d) the parent or step-parent of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
(e) the guardian or tutor of the person. (membre de la famille immédiate)

international single sport event

permanent resident

has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident permanent)

protected person

has the same meaning as in subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (personne protégée)

Quarantine Order

means the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). (Décret visant la quarantaine)

study permit

has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (permis d’études)

temporary resident

means a temporary resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident temporaire)

Prohibition — signs and symptoms

2 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, if they exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever and cough or a fever and difficulty breathing, or if they know they have COVID-19.

Non-application — certain persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to persons referred to in section 5 who seek to enter Canada from the United States for the purpose of making a claim for refugee protection.

Prohibition — COVID-19 molecular test

2.1 A foreign national five years of age or older is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States if they do not comply with the applicable requirement under the Quarantine Order to provide, before or when entering Canada, evidence that they received a COVID-19 molecular test result before entering Canada.

Prohibition — optional or discretionary purpose

3 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States if they seek to enter for an optional or discretionary purpose, such as tourism, recreation or entertainment.

Non-application — immediate family member

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a foreign national who is an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act if the foreign national seeks to enter Canada to be with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian and can demonstrate their intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.

Non-application — extended family member

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a foreign national who is an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act if the foreign national

(a) seeks to enter Canada to be with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian and can demonstrate their intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days;
(b) has a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian that is signed,
- (i) in the case of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian who has not yet attained the age of 18 years, by one of their parents, or
- (ii) in all other cases, by the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian; and
(c) is authorized, in writing, by an officer designated under subsection 6(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to enter Canada for the purpose referred to in paragraph (a).

Non-application — national interest

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person or any person in a class of persons whose presence in Canada, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, is in the national interest.

Prohibition — extended family member

3.1 A foreign national who is an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act and who seeks to enter Canada to be with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States unless the foreign national

(a) has a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship with the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian that is signed,
- (i) in the case of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian who has not yet attained the age of 18 years, by one of their parents, or
- (ii) in all other cases, by the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered as an Indian; and
(b) is authorized, in writing, by an officer designated under subsection 6(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to enter Canada for that purpose.

Prohibition — other orders

4 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States if, based on the purpose of entry or the anticipated length of their stay, they cannot comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order.

Non-application — certain persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to persons referred to in section 5 who seek to enter Canada from the United States for the purpose of making a claim for refugee protection.

Prohibition — claim for refugee protection

5 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States for the purpose of making a claim for refugee protection unless the person

(a) seeks to enter Canada at a land port of entry designated by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness under section 26 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and
- (i) is a claimant referred to in section 159.2, 159.5 or 159.6 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or
- (ii) is a citizen of the United States; or
(b) is a person or any person in a class of persons whose presence in Canada, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, is in the national or public interest, while recognizing the paramount public health interests of Canada and Canadians.

Non-application — certain persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the following persons who seek to enter Canada at any place referred to in subsection 159.4(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations:

(a) a citizen of the United States;
(b) a stateless habitual resident of the United States; or
(c) a person who
- (i) has not attained the age of 18 years and is not accompanied by their mother, father or legal guardian as defined in section 159.1 of those Regulations,
- (ii) has neither a spouse nor a common-law partner within the meaning of those Regulations, and
- (iii) has, in the United States, neither a mother or father nor a legal guardian as defined in section 159.1 of those Regulations.

Prohibition — international students

5.1 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States for the purpose of attending an institution other than a listed institution.

Prohibition — listed institution

(1.1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States for the purpose of attending a listed institution unless they are

(a) a person who holds a valid study permit;
(b) a person who may apply for a study permit when entering Canada under section 214 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations; or
(c) a person whose application for a study permit was approved under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and who received written notice of the approval but who has not yet been issued the permit.

Listed institution

(2) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (1.1), a listed institution is an institution that is

(a) determined, by the government of the province in which the institution is located, to have appropriate measures in place to ensure that the students who attend the institution can meet applicable obligations under the Quarantine Order; and
(b) included in a list that is published by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration on its website, as amended from time to time, for the purposes of this Order.

Non-application — compassionate grounds

5.2 Subsection 3(1), section 3.1 and subsection 4(1) do not apply to a foreign national if

(a) the Minister of Health determines that the foreign national seeks to enter Canada in order to engage in one of the following activities:
- (i) to attend to the death of or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed to be critically ill by a licensed health care practitioner,
- (ii) to provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care practitioner to have a medical reason that they require support, or
- (iii) to attend a funeral or end-of-life ceremony;
(b) in the case where a foreign national is, based on the purpose of entry and the anticipated length of their stay, unable to comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order, the Minister of Health
- (i) has not received written notice from the government of the province where the activity referred to in paragraph (a) will take place indicating that government opposes the non-application of subsections 3(1) and 4(1) to persons who engage in that activity in that province and who are unable to comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine under the Quarantine Order, and
- (ii) determines, if the foreign national seeks to engage in an activity referred to in paragraph (a) at a location other than a public outdoor location, that the person in charge of the location does not object to the foreign national being present to engage in that activity at that location; or
(c) the foreign national has obtained a limited release from the requirement to quarantine on compassionate grounds under the Quarantine Order in order to engage in an activity referred to in paragraph (a).

Non-application — international single sport event

5.3 (1) Subsection 3(1) does not apply to a foreign national who is authorized by a letter of authorization issued under subsection (2) to enter Canada to take part in an international single sport event as a high-performance athlete or to engage in an essential role in relation to that event, if they are affiliated with a national organization responsible for that sport.

Letter of authorization

(a) the name and contact information of all foreign nationals referred to in subsection (1); and
(b) a letter of support for the entry into Canada of all foreign nationals referred to in subsection (1) from both the government of the province where the international single sport event will take place and the local public health authority.

Cancellation or withdrawal of support

(3) Despite subsection (1), a foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States to take part in an international single sport event if the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage withdraws the letter of authorization for one of the following reasons:

(a) the event is cancelled by the individual or entity responsible for the event; or
(b) the local public health authority or the government of the province withdraws the letter of support.

Non-application — Order

6 This Order does not apply to

(a) a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act;
(b) a person who, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer appointed under subsection 6(1) of the Public Health Agency of Canada Act, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health;
(c) a protected person; or
(d) a person who enters Canadian waters, including the inland waters, or the airspace over Canada on board a conveyance while proceeding directly from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada, if the person was continuously on board that conveyance while in Canada and
- (i) in the case of a conveyance other than an aircraft, the person did not land in Canada and the conveyance did not make contact with another conveyance, moor or anchor while in Canadian waters, including the inland waters, other than anchoring carried out in accordance with the right of innocent passage under international law, or
- (ii) in the case of an aircraft, the conveyance did not land while in Canada.

Powers and obligations

7 For greater certainty, this Order does not affect any of the powers and obligations set out in the Quarantine Act.

Repeal

8 The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)^{footnote 2} is repealed.

Effective period

9 This Order has effect for the period beginning at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day on which it is made and ending at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 21, 2021.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order.)

Proposal

This Order in Council, entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States), is made pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act.

The Order repeals and replaces Order in Council P.C. 2021-613 of the same name, which came into force on June 21, 2021. In effect, the new Order extends the measures set out in the previous order, without making substantive changes.

The new Order complements any Order made under the Quarantine Act imposing testing, isolation or quarantine requirements upon entry into Canada.

This Order will be in effect from 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, on the date it is made until 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, August 21, 2021.

Objective

This Order maintains Canada’s focus on reducing the introduction and spread of COVID-19 by decreasing the risk of importing cases from outside the country. The Order continues to prohibit entry into Canada of foreign nationals arriving from the United States for an optional or discretionary purpose, with some limited exceptions. Even those who are exempted from the prohibition may not enter if they have COVID-19, or if they exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

The Order continues to prohibit foreign nationals from entering Canada from the United States if they fail to meet the pre-arrival testing obligations under the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation, and Other Obligations), subject to some exceptions.

Background

COVID-19

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease is caused by a new strain of coronavirus never before seen in humans. Information about the virus, how it causes disease, whom it affects, and how to appropriately treat or prevent illness has been developing over the past months, but continues to be based on best practices approaches to coronaviruses at large. Originally seen to be a local outbreak, COVID-19 has now affected the majority of countries around the globe. The science surrounding the virus continues to evolve.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of what is now known as COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 has demonstrated that it can cause widespread illness if not contained. The WHO continues to provide technical guidance and advice to countries for containing the pandemic, including identification of cases and recommendations for measures to prevent further spread. Since September 2020, multiple countries have detected SARS-CoV-2 variants, whose mutations may increase pathogenicity and/or transmissibility, and potentially reduce vaccine effectiveness; these are referred to as variants of concern. The introduction of the new variants of concern of the virus causing COVID-19, which are suspected of being more transmissible, may further worsen the negative health impacts of COVID-19.

Testing

Testing capabilities have advanced significantly over the past several months. Over 197 countries and territories require a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test or medical certificate as a condition of entry into their jurisdictions. The United States, for instance, currently requires that all travellers to the United States have evidence of a negative pre-departure molecular or antigen test three days prior to boarding a flight to the United States. The United States is also actively exploring its approach to the land borders. As of April 2, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their recommendations for fully vaccinated travellers, advising them that, although pre-arrival testing continues to be required, they are no longer required to quarantine after arriving in the United States.

The Government of Canada conducted a number of pilot programs with provincial governments and industry stakeholders at select airports and border crossings, which demonstrated that the frequency of people coming into Canada with COVID-19 was approximately 1–2%, meaning that at least one person on every flight with 100 passengers to Canada has the virus responsible for COVID-19. In all, 68.5% of cases tested positive upon arrival. An additional 25.8% of positive cases were identified at day 7 of their quarantine period, with another 5.6% identified by day 14. As of July 15, 2021, since the implementation of pre-departure, on arrival and post-arrival testing in February 2021, the Government has continued to see a total overall test positivity rate of 1.0% of travellers arriving by air and 0.2% test positivity rate of travellers arriving by land.

Vaccination

Another technological development assisting in pandemic control measures is the advent of new vaccines against COVID-19. As of July 8, 2021, the CDC have reported that over 183 million people in the United States (55.2% of the total population) have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 158 million people (47.7% of the total population) have been fully vaccinated. By comparison, as of July 10, 2021, more than 26 million Canadians (68.8% of the total population) have received at least one dose, and more than 16 million (43.7% of the total population) are fully vaccinated. It is important to note that this data specifically references total populations of both countries due to difficulties in acquiring accurate information on the population of individuals who are eligible for a vaccine in the United States.

Knowledge of the duration of the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing asymptomatic infection and reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other individuals is rapidly evolving. At this time, studies suggest that vaccinations may be able to reduce viral loads, and possibly infectiousness; there is emerging evidence suggesting that vaccines have an impact on preventing transmission. Vaccinated individuals appear less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and therefore are less likely to transmit infection to others. In addition, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that vaccinated individuals, if infected, are less likely to spread infection than unvaccinated infected people. Emerging evidence-based scientific data and experience will help inform future Government of Canada action in this area.

While the CDC have announced that persons who are fully vaccinated may stop wearing masks and maintaining physical distance in some indoor and outdoor settings, they continue to recommend masking and distancing for activities, such as receiving medical services and travelling by public transportation. They also continue to require pre-departure testing for all travellers to the United States, including those who are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 situation globally

The global number of daily reported cases of COVID-19 has increased slightly in recent weeks, with nearly 3 million being reported the week of July 5, 2021 (a 10% increase from the previous week). The cumulative number of cases reported globally is now over 186 million and the number of deaths exceeds 4 million. Countries in many parts of the world continue to report high numbers of cases and global vaccine coverage is still low. As of July 11, 2021, the countries reporting the highest number of new cases in the previous seven days were Brazil (333 030 new cases; 9% decrease), India (291 789 new cases; 7% decrease), Indonesia (243 119 new cases; 44% increase), the United Kingdom (210 277 new cases; 30% increase), and Colombia (174 320 new cases; 15% decrease).

The WHO has published an interim guidance document providing national authorities with a step-by-step approach to decision-making for calibrating risk mitigation measures and establishing policies to allow for safe international travel, but currently, there is no internationally accepted standard for establishing travel thresholds or assessing a country’s COVID-19 risk. At this time, it is the view of the Government of Canada that travel continues to present a risk of importing cases, including cases of new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, and increases the potential for onward community transmission of COVID-19. Efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern continue.

The heightened risk posed by the accelerated spread of these variants places some jurisdictions at a likelihood of increased COVID-19 transmission. There remains the potential for a resurgence of travel-related cases in Canada if the border restrictions between the United States and Canada were to be broadly lifted at this time.

COVID-19 situation in Canada

Domestically, the situation is improving. Case counts in Canada have declined significantly in the past weeks, and several provinces and territories have begun easing lockdown measures and published plans for a phased re-opening. Nationally, the daily incidence rate as of July 14, 2021, has dropped. Canada’s case count as of July 15, 2021, stood at 1 422 246 with 4 848 considered active cases.

As a result of measures limiting optional or discretionary travel into Canada, the number of travel-related COVID-19 cases remains a fraction of the imported cases seen at the beginning of the pandemic. Canada has seen an 87% decrease in the number of travellers arriving from the United States, in June 2021 compared to June 2019, and a 93% decrease among international travellers arriving from all other countries for the same period.

However, the rate of importation increased in March and April 2021, driven by a number of factors, including the introduction of mandatory Canadian border testing measures that increased case detection, a worsening global situation, as well as an increase in the number of imported cases from India and Pakistan. Following the April 22, 2021, implementation of a notice of airmen (NOTAM) that restricted direct flights from India and Pakistan, and a Transport Canada interim order that required indirect travellers from these countries to obtain a negative COVID-19 test from a third country, the rate of case importation into Canada decreased in May. The NOTAM and interim order were lifted for Pakistan on June 22, 2021, while they were extended for India until July 21, 2021.

With the CDC having recently downgraded the travel health notice for Canada from Level 4 — Very High to Level 3 — High, there may be an increase in the number of persons interested in travelling to Canada from the United States.

A certain proportion of travellers will require the use of clinical resources for care. In addition, infected travellers can cause secondary transmission to household members or in the community. If travellers are to continue to enter Canada, it is important to reduce the risk of travellers introducing cases of COVID-19 and new variants of concern into Canada as much as possible. Based on current review of international experience with new variants, maintaining measures that leverage the availability of testing technologies, combined with aggressive vaccination programs, will further prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 or new variants of concern in Canada.

Government of Canada response to COVID-19 pandemic

Between February 3, 2020, and July 1, 2021, 57 emergency orders were made under the Quarantine Act to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Canada — to reduce risks from other countries, to repatriate Canadians, and to strengthen measures at the border to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Canada. Together, these measures have been effective in reducing the number of travel-related cases.

With new, more transmissible variants of the COVID-19 virus in countries around the world, the Government of Canada continues to take a data-driven, scientific evidence and precautionary approach to its border measures for travellers entering Canada. The Government of Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures is grounded in meeting specific public health criteria, and based on scientific evidence and the epidemiological situation in Canada and globally. Recently the Government of Canada took its first step toward easing of border measures by removing quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers eligible to enter Canada.

The Government of Canada will continue to review the available evidence and monitor the situation to determine future border measures adjustments to protect the health and safety of Canadians by reducing the further introduction and transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

Implications

Key impacts for travellers

This Order will continue to generally prohibit foreign nationals from entering Canada from the United States, unless they are entering for non-optional or non-discretionary purposes or other specified permitted purposes. Foreign nationals travelling for any purpose will continue to be denied entry into Canada if they have COVID-19, have reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19 or are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, subject to certain narrow exceptions. The enforcement of the prohibition on entry for foreign nationals who arrive exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, despite having appeared healthy prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel, may be deferred to the extent required to maintain public health and ensure the safety of the commercial transportation system.

The Order also continues to prohibit foreign nationals from entering Canada from the United States if they fail to meet the pre-arrival testing obligations under the complementary Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation, and Other Obligations), with limited exceptions.

Penalties

Consultation

Contact

Kimby Barton
Public Health Agency of Canada
Telephone: 613‑960‑6637
Email: kimby.barton@canada.ca

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

QUARANTINE ACT

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations)

P.C. 2021-732 July 20, 2021

Whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that the introduction or spread of COVID-19 would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada;

And whereas the Administrator in Council is of the opinion that no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 are available;

Therefore, His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of Canada in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act ^{footnote a}, makes the annexed Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations).

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations)

PART 1

General

1.1 Definitions

1.2 Non-application

1.3 Exempted persons — conditions or requirements

PART 2

Molecular Tests

2.1 Entering by aircraft — pre-boarding

2.2 Entering by land — pre-arrival

2.3 Tests in Canada

2.4 Alternative testing protocol

2.5 Evidence of COVID-19 molecular test — retention

PART 3

Suitable Quarantine Plan and Other Measures

3.1 Suitable quarantine plan

3.2 Suitable quarantine plan — requirements

3.3 Evidence of prepaid accommodation

3.4 Information — countries

3.5 Mask

PART 4

Quarantine of Asymptomatic Persons

4.1 Requirements — quarantine

4.2 Additional requirements

4.3 Unable to quarantine

4.4 Unable to quarantine — additional requirements

4.5 Non-application — general

4.6 Non-application — medical reason

4.7 Non-application — compassionate grounds

4.8 Non-application — international single sport event

4.9 Non-application — fully vaccinated persons

4.10 Signs and symptoms during quarantine period

4.11 Exception — leaving Canada

PART 5

Isolation of Symptomatic Persons

5.1 Requirements – isolation

5.2 Additional requirements

5.3 Unable to isolate

5.4 Unable to isolate — additional requirements

5.5 Non-application — medical reason

5.6 Positive result

5.7 Exception — leaving Canada

PART 6

Powers and Obligations

6.1 Powers and obligations

PART 7

Cessation of Effect, Repeal and Coming into Force

Cessation of Effect

7.1 August 21, 2021

Repeal

7.2 Repeal

Coming into Force

7.3 Day made

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 2

SCHEDULE 3

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations)

PART 1

General

Definitions

1.1 (1) The following definitions apply in this Order.

accredited person

means a foreign national who holds a passport that contains a valid diplomatic, consular, official or special representative acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. (personne accréditée)

Canadian Forces

means the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada. (Forces canadiennes)

Chief Public Health Officer

means the Chief Public Health Officer appointed under subsection 6(1) of the Public Health Agency of Canada Act. (administrateur en chef)

COVID-19 molecular test

means a COVID-19 screening or diagnostic test carried out by an accredited laboratory, including a test performed using the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). (essai moléculaire relatif à la COVID-19)

crew member

means

(a) a crew member as defined in subsection 101.01(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations or a person who enters Canada only to become such a crew member;
(b) a member of a crew as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations or a person who enters Canada only to become such a member of a crew; or
(c) a person who is re-entering Canada after having left to participate in mandatory training in relation to the operation of a conveyance and who is required by their employer to return to work as a crew member within the meaning of paragraph (a) or (b) on a conveyance within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they return to Canada. (membre d’équipage)

dependent child

has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (enfant à charge)

evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test

means evidence that contains the following information:

(a) the name and date of birth of the person whose specimen was collected for the test;
(b) the name and civic address of the laboratory that administered the test;
(c) the date the specimen was collected and the test method used; and
(d) the test result. (preuve d’essai moléculaire relatif à la COVID-19)

fully vaccinated person

means a person who completed, at least 14 days before the day on which they entered Canada, a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen if

(a) in the case of a vaccine dosage regimen that uses a COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for sale in Canada,
- (i) the vaccine has been administered to the person in accordance with its labelling, or
- (ii) the Minister of Health determines, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, that the regimen is suitable, having regard to the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of that regimen in preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19 or any other factor relevant to preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19; or
(b) in all other cases,
- (i) the vaccines of the regimen are authorized for sale in Canada or in another jurisdiction, and
- (ii) the Minister of Health determines, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, that the vaccines and the regimen are suitable, having regard to the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of that regimen and the vaccines in preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19 or any other factor relevant to preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19. (personne entièrement vaccinée)

government-authorized accommodation

means an accommodation that is authorized by

(a) the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Forces, Department of Citizenship and Immigration, Department of Employment and Social Development or Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food; or
(b) the government of a province with agreement from the Government of Canada. (lieu d’hébergement autorisé par le gouvernement)

international single sport event

means an event that is governed by a sport’s International Federation or its regional or continental counterpart, that has a nationally or internationally established qualification process, and that is identified as part of the long-term development plans for high-performance national team athletes of the National Sport Organization for that sport. (événement unisport international)

isolation

means the separation of persons who have reasonable grounds to suspect that they have COVID-19, who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or who know that they have COVID-19, in such a manner as to prevent the spread of the disease. (isolement)

mask

means any mask, including a non-medical mask, that meets all of the following requirements:

(a) it is made of multiple layers of tightly woven material such as cotton or linen;
(b) it completely covers a person’s nose, mouth and chin without gaping;
(c) it can be secured to a person’s head with ties or ear loops. (masque)

permanent resident

has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident permanent)

protected person

has the same meaning as in subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (personne protégée)

quarantine

means the separation of persons in such a manner as to prevent the possible spread of disease. (quarantaine)

quarantine facility

means a place that is designated under section 7 of the Quarantine Act or that is deemed to be designated under subsection 8(2) of that Act, and that is chosen by the Chief Public Health Officer. (installation de quarantaine)

signs and symptoms of COVID-19

include a fever and a cough or a fever and difficulty breathing. (signes et symptômes de la COVID-19)

temporary resident

means a temporary resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident temporaire)

vulnerable person

means a person who

(a) has an underlying medical condition that makes the person susceptible to complications related to COVID-19;
(b) has a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment; or
(c) is 65 years of age or older. (personne vulnérable)

Interpretation — fully vaccinated person

(2) For greater certainty, for the purposes of the definition fully vaccinated person, a COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for sale in Canada does not include a similar vaccine sold by the same manufacturer that has been authorized for sale in another jurisdiction.

Non-application

1.2 This Order does not apply to a person who entered Canadian waters, including the inland waters, or the airspace over Canada, on board a conveyance while proceeding directly from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada, if the person was continuously on board that conveyance while in Canada and

(a) in the case of a conveyance other than an aircraft, the person did not land in Canada and the conveyance did not make contact with another conveyance, moor or anchor while in Canadian waters, including the inland waters, other than anchoring carried out in accordance with the right of innocent passage under international law; or
(b) in the case of an aircraft, the conveyance did not land while in Canada.

Exempted persons — conditions or requirements

1.3 (1) The Chief Public Health Officer may take immediate public health measures to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 by imposing conditions or requirements on any person or member of a class of persons exempt under this Order from any requirement set out in it, including

(a) a condition that allows for the collection of information about the likelihood of introduction or spread of COVID-19 by that person or member of a class of persons; or
(b) a requirement referred to in this Order or any similar requirement.

Compliance — conditions or requirements

(2) A person who is exempted from any requirement under this Order and on whom the conditions or requirements are imposed must comply with them in order to remain exempted from the applicable requirement.

Factors to consider

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the following factors:

(a) the risk to public health posed by COVID-19;
(b) the likelihood or degree of exposure of the person or member of the class of persons to COVID-19 prior to entry into Canada;
(c) the likelihood that the person or member of the class of persons could introduce or spread COVID-19;
(d) the extent of the spread of COVID-19 in any place where the person or member of the class of persons travelled;
(e) any scientific evidence indicating that a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading in a place where the person or member of the class of persons travelled;
(f) the likelihood that the person or member of the class of persons could pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada; and
(g) any other factor consistent with the purposes of the Quarantine Act that the Chief Public Health Officer considers relevant.

PART 2

Molecular Tests

Entering by aircraft — pre-boarding

2.1 (1) Every person who enters Canada by aircraft must, before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada, provide to the aircraft operator evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test indicating that they received

(a) a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours, or within another period set out under the Aeronautics Act, before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time; or
(b) a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time.

Exempted persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person referred to in Table 1 of Schedule 1.

Entering by land — pre-arrival

2.2 (1) Every person must, when entering Canada by land, provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer, evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test indicating that they received

(a) a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed in the United States on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours before entering Canada; or
(b) a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed either in or outside of the United States on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before entering Canada.

Exempted persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person referred to in Table 2 of Schedule 1.

Tests in Canada

2.3 (1) Subject to subsections (3) to (6), every person who enters Canada by aircraft or land must, in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer or the Minister of Health, undergo a COVID-19 molecular test

(a) when entering Canada; and
(b) after entering Canada.

Expense

(2) For greater certainty, the person who must undergo the COVID-19 molecular tests must do so at their expense or at the expense of another person on behalf of that person unless the COVID-19 molecular tests are provided or paid for by Her Majesty in right of Canada or an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada or by Her Majesty in right of a province.

Extraordinary circumstances

(3) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirement to undergo, when or after entering Canada, the COVID-19 molecular test, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Exempted persons

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person referred to in Table 2 of Schedule 2.

Persons exempted from paragraph (1)(a)

(5) Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply to a person for whom the condition set out in paragraph 4.9(1)(d) has been waived by the Minister of Health.

Persons exempted from paragraph (1)(b)

(6) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply to a person referred to in section 4.9.

Alternative testing protocol

2.4 (1) The persons referred to in subsection (2) who enter Canada by aircraft or land must, subject to subsection (3) and in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer, undergo any test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol to screen or diagnose COVID-19 for the purpose of minimizing the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and that takes into account the following factors:

(a) the number of tests;
(b) the test method of each test;
(c) the location where each test is administered;
(d) the frequency of the tests;
(e) the timing of the tests; and
(f) any extraordinary circumstances.

Persons subject to alternative testing protocol

(2) The persons undergoing any test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol are

(a) a person or any member of a class of persons designated by the Chief Public Health Officer;
(b) a person who is less than 18 years of age and is not accompanied by a person who is 18 years of age or older; and
(c) a person referred to in subsection 4.7(1).

Extraordinary circumstances

(3) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirement to undergo a test in accordance with the alternative testing protocol, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Exempted persons — positive result

(4) This section does not apply to a person who receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test.

Evidence of COVID-19 molecular test — retention

2.5 (1) Every person who enters Canada must

(a) retain the evidence referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1) and the evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test for the test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a) during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or that begins again under subsection 4.10(1) or (2);
(b) retain the evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test for the test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(b) or the evidence of the result for any test undergone in accordance with an alternative testing protocol referred to in subsection 2.4(1) during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person receives the evidence of the test result; and
(c) provide, on request, the evidence referred to in paragraph (a) and (b) to any official of the Government of Canada, including a public health official, or of the government of a province or to the local public health authority of the place where the person is located.

Designation

(2) The Chief Public Health Officer may designate any person as a public health official for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c).

PART 3

Suitable Quarantine Plan and Other Measures

Suitable quarantine plan

3.1 (1) A suitable quarantine plan must meet the following requirements:

(a) it includes,
- (i) in the case of a person entering Canada by aircraft,
- (ii) in the case of a person referred to in any of items 6 and 16 to 25 of Table 3 of Schedule 2 who enters Canada by aircraft or a person who enters Canada by a mode of transport other than aircraft, the civic address of the place where they plan to quarantine themselves during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada, and
- (iii) their contact information for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada; and
(b) it indicates that the place of quarantine, other than a government-authorized accommodation, meets the conditions set out in subsection (2).

Place of quarantine — conditions

(2) The applicable conditions for the place of quarantine are the following:

(a) it allows the person to avoid all contact with other people with whom they did not travel unless they are a minor, in which case the minor can have contact with other people who are providing care and support to the minor and who reside with the minor until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or that begins again under subsection 4.10(1) or (2);
(b) it allows the person to avoid all contact with vulnerable persons or persons who provide care to those persons, unless the vulnerable person is a consenting adult or the parent or dependent child in a parent-child relationship;
(c) it allows no other person to be present at the place, unless that person resides there habitually;
(d) it allows the person to have access to a bedroom at the place that is separate from the one used by persons who did not travel and enter Canada with that person;
(e) it allows the person to access the necessities of life without leaving that place; and
(f) it allows the person to avoid all contact with health care providers and persons who work or assist in a facility, home or workplace where vulnerable persons are present.

Suitable quarantine plan — requirements

3.2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), every person who enters Canada must provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer a suitable quarantine plan that meets the requirements set out in section 3.1.

Exception — contact information

(2) Instead of providing the suitable quarantine plan, a person referred to in subsection 4.8(1) or Table 1 of Schedule 2 must provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer their contact information for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada.

Timing

(3) The person who provides their suitable quarantine plan or their contact information must do so,

(a) if the person enters Canada by aircraft, before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada;
(b) if the person enters Canada by land, before entering Canada; or
(c) if the person enters Canada by water, before or when entering Canada.

Electronic means — aircraft and land

(4) A person who enters Canada by aircraft or land must provide their suitable quarantine plan or their contact information by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to provide their plan by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the plan must be provided in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health.

Persons in transit

(5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who plans to arrive at a Canadian airport on board an aircraft in order to transit to another country and to remain in a sterile transit area, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, until they leave Canada.

Evidence of prepaid accommodation

3.3 (1) Every person who enters Canada by aircraft must, before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada,

(a) provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer evidence of prepaid accommodation that enables the person to remain in quarantine at a government-authorized accommodation for a three-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada; and
(b) provide evidence of prepaid accommodation by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to provide the evidence by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the evidence must be provided in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health.

Non-application

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to

(a) a person referred to in Table 3 of Schedule 2;
(b) a person who, in extraordinary circumstances, is released by a quarantine officer from the requirement to quarantine themselves in a government-authorized accommodation in accordance with paragraph 4.1(1)(a), in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer; or
(c) a fully vaccinated person who provides evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 2.1(1) that they are required to provide.

Information — countries

3.4 (1) Every person who enters Canada must disclose to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer the countries that they were in during the 14-day period before the day on which they enter Canada.

Information and evidence of vaccination

(2) Subject to subsection (3) and unless they are a person referred to in item 4 of Table 1 of Schedule 2, every person who enters Canada by aircraft or land must

(a) disclose to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer information related to their COVID-19 vaccination, including whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine, the brand name or any other information that identifies the vaccine that was administered, the dates on which the vaccine was administered, and the doses received; and
(b) if they are a fully vaccinated person, provide the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer evidence of COVID-19 vaccination.

Extraordinary circumstances

(3) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirements referred to in subsection (2), in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Elements — evidence of vaccination

(4) The evidence of COVID-19 vaccination must be a document issued by the government or the non-governmental entity that administered the COVID-19 vaccine and must contain the following:

(a) the name of the person who received the vaccine;
(b) the name of the government or the name and civic address of the non-governmental entity that administered the vaccine;
(c) the brand name or any other information that identifies the vaccine that was administered; and
(d) the dates on which the vaccine was administered.

Evidence of vaccination — translation

(5) The evidence of COVID-19 vaccination must be in English or French and any translation into English or French must be a certified translation.

Timing — countries

(6) A person who is required to provide the information referred to in subsection (1) must do so,

(a) if the person enters Canada by aircraft, before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada;
(b) if the person enters Canada by land, before entering Canada; or
(c) if the person enters Canada by water, before or when entering Canada.

Timing — COVID-19 vaccination

(7) A person who is required to provide the information referred to in paragraph (2)(a) or the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination referred to in paragraph (2)(b) must do so,

(a) if the person enters Canada by aircraft, before or when entering Canada; and
(b) if the person enters Canada by land, before entering Canada.

Electronic means

(8) A person who enters Canada by aircraft or land must provide the information and the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to provide their information by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the information must be provided in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health.

Evidence of vaccination — retention

(9) Every person who enters Canada and who is required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada,

(a) retain the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination;
(b) if the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is a certified translation, retain the original version of that evidence; and
(c) provide, on request, the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination and the original version of that evidence to any official of the Government of Canada, including a public health official, or of the government of a province or to the local public health authority of the place where the person is located.

Answers, information and records

(10) Every person who enters Canada must, for the purposes of the administration of this Order, before entering Canada and during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or that begins again under subsection 4.10(1) or (2),

(a) answer any relevant questions asked by a screening officer, a quarantine officer, a peace officer or a public health official designated under subsection (11) or asked on behalf of the Chief Public Health Officer; and
(b) provide to an officer or official referred to in paragraph (a) or the Chief Public Health Officer any information or record in the person’s possession that the officer, official or Chief Public Health Officer may request, in the form and manner and at the time specified by the officer, official or Chief Public Health Officer.

Designation

(11) The Chief Public Health Officer may designate any person as a public health official.

Mask

3.5 (1) Every person who enters Canada and who is required to quarantine or isolate themselves must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada or that begins again under subsection 4.10(1) or (2), wear a mask that a screening officer or quarantine officer considers suitable to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19,

(a) while they are entering Canada; and
(b) while they are in transit to a place of quarantine or isolation, a health care facility or their place of departure from Canada, unless they are alone in a private conveyance.

Persons not subject to quarantine

(2) Every person who enters Canada and who, under section 4.5, subsection 4.7(1) or 4.8(1) or section 4.9, is not required to enter or remain in quarantine must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada,

(a) wear a mask that a screening officer or quarantine officer considers suitable to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 when they are in public settings, including when entering Canada; and
(b) maintain a list of the names and contact information of each person with whom the person comes into close contact and the locations visited during that period.

Non-application

(3) This section does not apply to

(a) a person who needs to remove their mask for security or safety reasons;
(b) a child who is less than two years of age; and
(c) a child who is at least two years of age but less than six years of age who is unable to tolerate wearing a mask.

PART 4

Quarantine of Asymptomatic Persons

Requirements — quarantine

4.1 (1) Every person who enters Canada and who does not exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 must

(a) subject to paragraph (b) and subsection (5), in the case of a person entering Canada by aircraft, quarantine themselves without delay at a government-authorized accommodation in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer, and remain in quarantine until they receive the result for the COVID-19 molecular test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a);
(b) in the case of a person referred to in any of items 6 and 16 to 25 of Table 3 of Schedule 2 who enters Canada by aircraft or a person who enters Canada by a mode of transport other than aircraft, quarantine themselves without delay in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer, and remain in quarantine until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, in a place
- (i) that meets the conditions set out in subsection 3.1(2), and
- (ii) that is considered suitable by the Chief Public Health Officer, screening officer or quarantine officer, having regard to the risk to public health posed by COVID-19, the likelihood or degree of exposure of the person to COVID-19 prior to entry into Canada and any other factor that the Chief Public Health Officer, screening officer or quarantine officer considers relevant;
(c) if the person referred to in paragraph (a) receives a negative result for the COVID-19 molecular test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a), quarantine themselves without delay in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer, and remain in quarantine until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, in a place that meets the conditions set out in paragraph (b); and
(d) if the person does not receive the result for the COVID-19 molecular test that they are required to undergo under paragraph 2.3(1)(b) before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, remain in quarantine in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer until the earlier of the receipt of the test result or the expiry of another 14-day period.

Transportation to government-authorized accommodation

(2) A person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) must not use public transportation, including an aircraft, bus, train, subway, taxi or ride-sharing service, to travel from the place where they enter Canada to the government-authorized accommodation, unless the person is authorized to use public transportation by a screening officer or quarantine officer, in which case the person must follow their instructions.

Expense

(3) For greater certainty, a person who is required to quarantine in a government-authorized accommodation must do so at their expense or at the expense of another person on behalf of that person unless the government-authorized accommodation is provided or paid for by Her Majesty in right of Canada or an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada or by Her Majesty in right of a province.

Government-authorized accommodation

(4) The following factors must be considered before a government-authorized accommodation is authorized:

(a) the risk to public health posed by COVID-19;
(b) the capacity of the place;
(c) the feasibility of quarantining persons at the place;
(d) the proximity of the place to the airport of entry; and
(e) any other factor that the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Forces, Department of Citizenship and Immigration, Department of Employment and Social Development or Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food considers relevant.

Exempted persons — government-authorized accommodation

(5) The following persons are not required to quarantine themselves in a government-authorized accommodation:

(a) a person referred to in Table 3 of Schedule 2; and
(b) a person who, in extraordinary circumstances, is released by a quarantine officer from the requirement to quarantine themselves in a government-authorized accommodation, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Additional requirements

4.2 A person referred to in subsection 4.1(1) must

(a) report their arrival at, and the civic address of, the government-authorized accommodation and their place of quarantine to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer, by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health or by telephone using a number specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to report that information by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the reporting must be done in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health,
- (i) in the case of a person referred in paragraph 4.1(1)(a) or (b), within 48 hours after entering Canada, or
- (ii) in the case of a person referred to in paragraph 4.1(1)(c), within 48 hours after arriving at their place of quarantine;
(b) while they remain in quarantine in accordance with subsection 4.1(1),
- (i) monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,
- (ii) report daily on their health status relating to signs and symptoms of COVID-19 to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer, by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health or by telephone using a number specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to report that information by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the reporting must be done in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health, and
- (iii) in the event that they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, follow the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer; and
(c) within 24 hours of receiving the following results, report to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer by means specified by the Minister of Health
- (i) a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test undergone under subsection 2.3(1) that was performed on a specimen collected during the 14-day period referred to in subsection 4.1(1), received before or after the expiry of that period, and
- (ii) any positive result for any type of COVID-19 test that was performed on a specimen collected during the 14-day period referred to in subsection 4.1(1), received either before or after the expiry of that period.

Unable to quarantine

4.3 (1) A person referred to in subsection 4.1(1) is considered unable to quarantine themselves if

(a) the person has not provided the evidence referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1), unless the person is exempted from that requirement under subsection 2.1(2) or 2.2(2);
(b) the person refuses to undergo the COVID-19 molecular test under paragraph 2.3(1)(a);
(c) the person has not provided a suitable quarantine plan in accordance with this Order;
(d) the person cannot quarantine themselves in accordance with subsection 4.1(1); or
(e) while they remain in quarantine at the government-authorized accommodation, the person
- (i) develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19,
- (ii) is exposed to another person who exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19,
- (iii) receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, or
- (iv) is exposed to another person who receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test.

Quarantine facility or other suitable place

(2) A person who, at the time of entry into Canada or at any other time during the 14-day period referred to in subsection 4.1(1), is considered unable to quarantine themselves must

(a) if directed by a screening officer or quarantine officer, board any means of transportation provided by the Government of Canada for the purpose of transporting them to a quarantine facility or transferring them between quarantine facilities; and
(b) enter into quarantine without delay
- (i) at the quarantine facility in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer and remain in quarantine at the facility or at any other quarantine facility to which they are subsequently transferred until the expiry of that period, or
- (ii) at any other place that the quarantine officer considers suitable, in accordance with the instructions provided by the quarantine officer, and remain in quarantine at the place or at any other place to which they are subsequently transferred until the expiry of that period.

Change of place

(3) A person may, with the authorization of a quarantine officer, leave a quarantine facility before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada in order to quarantine themselves at a place that meets the conditions set out in paragraph 4.1(1)(b) and must, if applicable, meet the requirements set out in section 4.2.

Choice of quarantine facility

(4) In choosing a quarantine facility for the purposes of subsection (2), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the following factors:

(a) the risk to public health posed by COVID-19;
(b) the feasibility of controlling access to the quarantine facility;
(c) the capacity of the quarantine facility;
(d) the feasibility of quarantining persons at the facility;
(e) the likelihood or degree of exposure of the person to COVID-19 prior to entry into Canada; and
(f) any other factor that the Chief Public Health Officer considers relevant.

Unable to quarantine — additional requirements

4.4 A person referred to in subsection 4.3(2) or (3) must,

(a) in the case of a person who is considered unable to quarantine themselves, report their arrival at the quarantine facility to a screening officer or quarantine officer at that facility within 48 hours after entering Canada, unless the person has already reported their arrival at their place of quarantine under paragraph 4.2(a);
(b) while they remain in quarantine in accordance with paragraph 4.3(2)(b),
- (i) monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,
- (ii) report daily to a screening officer or quarantine officer at the quarantine facility on their health status relating to signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and
- (iii) in the event that they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, follow the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer;
(c) while they remain at a quarantine facility, undergo any health assessments that a quarantine officer requires; and
(d) within 24 hours of receiving the following results, report them to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer by means specified by the Minister of Health:
- (i) a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test undergone under subsection 2.3(1) that was performed on a specimen collected during the 14-day period referred to in subsection 4.1(1), received either before or after the expiry of that period, and
- (ii) any positive result for any type of COVID-19 test that was performed on a specimen collected during the 14-day period referred to in subsection 4.1(1), received either before or after the expiry of that period.

Non-application — general

4.5 Sections 4.1 to 4.4 do not apply to a person referred to in Table 1 of Schedule 2 if the person

(a) provides evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1) that they are required to provide or if they fail to do so but subsequently receive a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test or the authorization of a quarantine officer to leave a quarantine facility or any other place that the quarantine officer considered suitable;
(b) monitors for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; and
(c) in the event that they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, follows the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer.

Non-application — medical reason

4.6 (1) Sections 4.1 to 4.4 do not apply to a person

(a) during any medical emergency or essential medical services or treatments that require the person to visit or be taken to a health care facility that, if the person is in a quarantine facility, is outside that quarantine facility; or
(b) during the time necessary to enable the person to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test.

Accompanying person

(2) If the person exempted from the quarantine requirements under subsection (1) is a dependent child or requires assistance in accessing medical services or treatments, the exception set out in that subsection extends to one other person who accompanies the dependent child or the person requiring assistance.

Other cases

(3) The requirements set out in sections 4.1 to 4.4 do not apply to a person if

(a) the person is the subject of a provincial or local public health order that is inconsistent with those requirements; or
(b) those requirements are inconsistent with another requirement imposed on them under the Quarantine Act.

Non-application — compassionate grounds

4.7 (1) Subject to subsection (3), sections 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4 do not apply to a person if the Minister of Health

(a) determines that the person does not intend to quarantine themselves or to remain in quarantine, as the case may be, in order to engage in one of the following activities:
- (i) to attend to the death of or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed to be critically ill by a licensed health care practitioner,
- (ii) to provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who is residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care practitioner to require support for a medical reason, or
- (iii) to attend a funeral or end-of-life ceremony;
(b) has not received written notice from the government of the province where an activity referred to in paragraph (a) will take place indicating that government opposes the non-application of sections 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4 to persons who engage in that activity in that province; and
(c) determines, if the person seeks to engage in an activity referred to in paragraph (a) at a location other than a public outdoor location, that the person in charge of the location does not object to the former person being present to engage in that activity at that location.

Conditions

(2) Subsection (1) applies while the person engages in one of the activities referred to in paragraph (1)(a) and if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19.

Evidence of molecular test

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who is required to provide the evidence referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1) but who does not do so, unless they subsequently receive a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test or the authorization of a quarantine officer to leave a quarantine facility or any other place that the quarantine officer considered suitable.

Orders made under the Quarantine Act

(4) For the purposes of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, the non-application of sections 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4 under this section is a limited release from the requirement to quarantine on compassionate grounds.

Non-application — international single sport event

4.8 (1) Sections 4.1 to 4.4 do not apply to a person in respect of whom a letter of authorization has been issued under subsection (2) and who enters Canada to take part in an international single sport event as a high-performance athlete or to engage in an essential role in relation to that event, if they are affiliated with a national organization responsible for that sport and if they

(a) provide evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1) that they are required to provide or if they fail to do so but subsequently receive a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test or the authorization of a quarantine officer to leave a quarantine facility or any other place that the quarantine officer considered suitable;
(b) monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; and
(c) in the event that they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, follow the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer.

Letter of authorization

(2) The Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage may, if that Deputy Minister considers it appropriate, issue a letter of authorization after receiving, from the individual or entity responsible for the international single sport event,

(a) the name and contact information of all persons taking part in the international single sport event as a high-performance athlete or engaging in an essential role in relation to that event, if they are affiliated with a national organization responsible for that sport;
(b) a plan that specifies measures to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19; and
(c) a letter of support for the plan from both the government of the province where the international single sport event will take place and the local public health authority.

Conditions

(3) Subsection (1) applies only if

(a) the government of the province or the local public health authority has not withdrawn their letter of support for the plan;
(b) the individual or entity responsible for the international single sport event has not cancelled that event;
(c) the person is taking part in the international single sport event as a high-performance athlete or engaging in an essential role in relation to that event, if they are affiliated with a national organization responsible for that sport; and
(d) the person complies with the conditions that are specified in the letter of authorization and that are imposed to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19.

Consultation with Minister of Health

(4) Conditions that are imposed under paragraph (3)(d) must be developed in consultation with the Minister of Health.

Non-application — fully vaccinated persons

4.9 (1) Sections 4.1 to 4.4 do not apply to a fully vaccinated person who enters Canada by aircraft or land if

(a) the person provides evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1) that they are required to provide;
(b) the person provides the information required under paragraph 3.4(2)(a) in accordance with section 3.4;
(c) the person provides the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination required under section 3.4 in accordance with that section; and
(d) the person undergoes a COVID-19 molecular test under paragraph 2.3(1)(a) or undergoes a test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol referred to in subsection 2.4(1).

Fully vaccinated persons — monitoring

(2) A person or any member of a class of persons exempt from quarantine under subsection (1) must, until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada,

(a) monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; and
(b) undergo any type of COVID-19 test that the Minister of Health may require under subsection (3).

COVID-19 test

(3) The Minister of Health may, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer and having regard to the factors set out in subsection 1.3(3), waive the condition set out in paragraph (1)(d), in which case the person referred to in subsection (2) in respect of whom the Minister of Health waived the condition must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada and on the request of the Minister of Health, undergo any type of COVID-19 test and provide the result for that test to the Minister of Health.

COVID-19 test — random selection

(4) The Minister of Health may randomly select a person to undergo the COVID-19 test referred to in subsection (3).

Fully vaccinated persons — signs and symptoms or positive result

(5) If the person referred to in subsection (2) develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, the person must

(a) report the signs and symptoms or positive result without delay to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer by means specified by the Minister of Health; and
(b) follow the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer.

Signs and symptoms during quarantine period

4.10 (1) During any applicable 14-day quarantine period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, if the person develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or is exposed to another person who exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19,

(a) that period is replaced by a new 14-day isolation period that begins on the day on which the person developed signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or was most recently exposed to the other person; and
(b) the requirements set out in Part 5 apply.

Positive result or exposure to another person

(2) During any applicable 14-day quarantine period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, if the person receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test or is exposed to another person who receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test,

(a) that period is replaced by a new 14-day isolation period that begins on
- (i) in the case of a person who receives a positive result,
- (ii) in the case of a person who is exposed to another person who receives a positive result, the date when the person was most recently exposed to the other person; and
(b) the requirements set out in Part 5 apply.

Cessation — daily reporting

(3) The requirements set out in subparagraphs 4.2(b)(ii) and 4.4(b)(ii) end if the person reports that they have developed signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 for any type of COVID-19 test.

Exception — leaving Canada

4.11 A person referred to in section 4.1 or 4.3 may leave Canada before the expiry of the 14-day period set out in those provisions only if they quarantine themselves until they depart from Canada.

PART 5

Isolation of Symptomatic Persons

Requirements – isolation

5.1 (1) Every person who enters Canada and who has reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19, knows that they have COVID-19 or has received a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test that was performed on a specimen collected within a period of 14 days before the day on which they enter Canada or on the day on which they enter Canada, as well as every person who travelled with that person must,

(a) if they enter Canada by aircraft,
- (i) isolate themselves without delay at a quarantine facility in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer, and remain in isolation at the facility until they receive the result for the COVID-19 molecular test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a), and
- (ii) if the person receives a negative result for the COVID-19 molecular test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a) or a test undergone in accordance with an alternative testing protocol referred to in subsection 2.4(1), isolate themselves without delay in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer in a place that meets the conditions set out in subsection (3) and remain in isolation until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or any other applicable isolation period; or
(b) if they enter Canada by a mode of transport other than aircraft, isolate themselves without delay in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer in the place that meets the conditions set out in subsection (3) and remain in isolation at that place until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or any other applicable isolation period.

Choice of quarantine facility

(2) In choosing a quarantine facility for the purposes of subsection (1), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the factors set out in subsection 4.3(4), with any necessary modifications.

Place of isolation — conditions

(3) The applicable conditions for the place of isolation are the following

(a) it is directly accessible by a private conveyance that is shared with only persons who travelled and entered Canada with the person;
(b) it allows the person to remain in isolation during the applicable isolation period;
(c) it allows the person to avoid all contact with vulnerable persons or persons who provide care to those persons, unless the vulnerable person is a consenting adult or the parent or dependent child in a parent-child relationship and no alternative care arrangement is available;
(d) it allows the person to avoid all contact with any other people unless they are required or are directed to go to a place to seek medical care, in which case they must meet the requirements set out in subsection 5.5(3);
(e) it allows the person to have, at the place, access to a bedroom and bathroom that are separate from those used by all other persons;
(f) it allows the person to have access to the necessities of life without leaving that place;
(g) it allows the person to access local public health services;
(h) it allows the person to provide a specimen collected for a COVID-19 molecular test for the purposes of subsection 2.3(1); and
(i) it is considered suitable by the Chief Public Health Officer, screening officer or quarantine officer, having regard to the risk to public health posed by COVID-19, the likelihood or degree of exposure of the person to COVID-19 prior to entry into Canada and any other factor that the Chief Public Health Officer, screening officer or quarantine officer considers relevant.

Additional requirements

5.2 A person referred to in subsection 5.1(1) must

(a) within 48 hours after entering Canada, report their arrival at, and the civic address of, the place of isolation to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer, by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health or by telephone using a number specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to report that information by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the reporting must be done in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health;
(b) while they remain in isolation in accordance with section 5.1, undergo any health assessments that a quarantine officer requires, monitor their signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and, if they require additional medical care, report to the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer; and
(c) within 24 hours of receiving the following results, report them to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer by means specified by the Minister of Health:
- (i) a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test undergone under subsection 2.3(1) that was performed on a specimen collected during the applicable isolation period, received either before or after the expiry of that period, and
- (ii) any positive result for any type of COVID-19 test other than a COVID-19 molecular test undergone under subsection 2.3(1) performed on a specimen collected during the applicable isolation period, received either before or after the expiry of that period.

Unable to isolate

5.3 (1) A person referred to in subsection 5.1(1) is considered unable to isolate themselves if

(a) the person has not provided the evidence referred to in subsection 2.1(1) or 2.2(1), unless the person is exempted from that requirement under subsection 2.1(2) or 2.2(2), as the case may be;
(b) the person refuses to undergo the COVID-19 molecular test under paragraph 2.3(1)(a);
(c) it is necessary for the person to use public transportation, including an aircraft, bus, train, subway, taxi or ride-sharing service, to travel from the place where they enter Canada to the place where they will isolate themselves;
(d) the person cannot isolate themselves in accordance with subparagraph 5.1(1)(a)(ii) or paragraph 5.1(1)(b); or
(e) while they remain in isolation at the quarantine facility in accordance with subparagraph 5.1(1)(a)(i), the person receives a positive result for the COVID-19 molecular test undergone under paragraph 2.3(1)(a).

Quarantine facility or other suitable place

(2) A person who, at the time of entry into Canada or at any other time during the applicable isolation period referred to in section 5.1, is considered unable to isolate themselves must

(a) if directed by a screening officer or quarantine officer, board any means of transportation provided by the Government of Canada for the purpose of transporting them to a quarantine facility or transferring them between quarantine facilities; and
(b) enter into isolation without delay
- (i) at the quarantine facility in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer and remain in isolation at the facility or at any other quarantine facility to which they are subsequently transferred until the expiry of that period, or
- (ii) at any other place that the quarantine officer considers suitable, in accordance with the instructions provided by the quarantine officer, and remain in isolation at the place or at any other place to which they are subsequently transferred until the expiry of that period.

Change of place

(3) A person may, with the authorization of a quarantine officer, leave a quarantine facility before the expiry of the applicable isolation period in order to isolate themselves at a place that meets the conditions set out in subsection 5.1(3) and must, if applicable, meet the requirements set out in section 5.2.

Unable to isolate — additional requirements

5.4 The person referred to in subsection 5.3(2) or (3) must

(a) in the case of a person who is considered unable to isolate themselves, report their arrival at the quarantine facility to a screening officer or quarantine officer at that facility within 48 hours after entering Canada, unless the person has already reported their arrival at their place of isolation under paragraph 5.2(a); and
(b) while they remain in isolation in accordance with paragraph 5.3(2)(b), undergo any health assessments that a quarantine officer requires, monitor their signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and, if they require additional medical care, report to the public health authority specified by a screening officer or quarantine officer.

Non-application — medical reason

5.5 (1) Sections 5.1 to 5.4 do not apply to a person who meets the requirements set out in subsection (3)

(a) during any medical emergency or essential medical services or treatments that require the person to visit or be taken to a health care facility that, if the person is in a quarantine facility, is outside that quarantine facility; or
(b) during the time necessary to enable the person to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test.

Accompanying person

(2) If the person to whom isolation requirements do not apply under subsection (1) is a dependent child, the exception in that subsection extends to one other person who accompanies the dependent child.

Requirements

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) and (2), the person must

(a) wear a mask to go to and return from a health care facility or a place to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test;
(b) not take public transportation, including an aircraft, bus, train, subway, taxi or ride-sharing service, to go to and return from that facility or place; and
(c) not go to any other place.

Other cases

(4) The requirements set out in sections 5.1 to 5.4 do not apply to a person if

(a) the person is the subject of a provincial or local public health order that is inconsistent with those requirements; or
(b) the requirements are inconsistent with another requirement imposed on the person under the Quarantine Act.

Positive result

5.6 During the applicable isolation period, if the person receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test,

(a) the period in progress is replaced by a new 14-day isolation period that begins on
- (i) the date of specimen collection that was validated by the test provider and indicated by the test provider to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer, or
- (ii) if no date of specimen collection was validated by the test provider, the test result date that was indicated by the test provider to the person or to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer; and
(b) the associated requirements continue to apply.

Exception — leaving Canada

5.7 A person referred to in section 5.1 or 5.3 cannot leave Canada before the expiry of the applicable isolation period, except in a private conveyance and at the discretion and in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer.

PART 6

Powers and Obligations

Powers and obligations

6.1 For greater certainty,

(a) this Order does not affect any of the powers and obligations set out in the Quarantine Act;
(b) this Order does not affect any of the powers and obligations under the Food and Drugs Act;
(c) this Order may be administered and enforced using electronic means; and
(d) the instructions to be followed under subsections 2.3(1) and (3) and 2.4(1) and (3), paragraph 3.3(2)(b), subsections 4.1(1) and (2), paragraph 4.1(5)(b), subsection 5.1(1) and item 30 of Table 2 of Schedule 1 include instructions that are provided after the time of entry into Canada.

PART 7

Cessation of Effect, Repeal and Coming into Force

Cessation of Effect

August 21, 2021

7.1 This Order ceases to have effect at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 21, 2021.

Repeal

Repeal

7.2 The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations)^{footnote 3} is repealed.

Coming into Force

Day made

7.3 This Order comes into force at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day on which it is made.

SCHEDULE 1

(Subsections 2.1(2) and 2.2(2) and paragraph 6.1(d))

Exempted Persons — COVID-19 Molecular Test Before Entering Canada

TABLE 1

Entering by Aircraft
Item	Persons
1	A person who is less than five years of age
2	A crew member
3	A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, (a) the person or any member of a class of persons enters Canada to provide an essential service; and (b) the requirement to provide evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test in accordance with subsection 2.1(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
4	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
5	An emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
6	An official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who is escorting an individual entering or leaving Canada pursuant to a legal process such as an international transfer of an offender or deportation or extradition of a person
7	An official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process
8	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 2.1(1) of this Order to provide evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
9	A member of the Canadian Forces, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of those forces
10	A member of an air crew of a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing mission-essential duties as a member of that force
11	A person who returns to Canada after suffering hardship in a foreign country, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
12	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
13	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
14	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
15	A person who enters Canada by aircraft and who is not required under the Aeronautics Act to provide the evidence referred to in subsection 2.1(1) of this Order
16	Any person who takes a medical evacuation flight for medical purposes, if the urgency of the medical situation does not permit a COVID-19 molecular test to be administered to the person before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada
17	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada, who has been denied entry into a foreign country and who must board a flight destined to Canada
18	A person referred to in subsection 5(1) or (2) of the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) who made a claim for refugee protection when entering Canada from the United States
19	A person who plans to arrive at a Canadian airport on board an aircraft in order to transit to another country and to remain in a sterile transit area, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, until they leave Canada
20	A person who enters Canada regularly to go to their normal place of employment or returns from their normal place of employment in another country, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada

TABLE 2

Entering by Land
Item	Persons
1	A person who is less than five years of age
2	A crew member
3	A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, (a) the person or any member of a class of persons enters Canada to provide an essential service; and (b) the requirement to provide evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test in accordance with subsection 2.2(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
4	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
5	An emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
6	An official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who is escorting an individual entering or leaving Canada pursuant to a legal process such as an international transfer of an offender or deportation or extradition of a person
7	An official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process
8	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 2.2(1) of this Order to provide evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
9	A member of the Canadian Forces, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of those forces
10	A person who returns to Canada after suffering hardship in a foreign country, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
11	A person referred to in subsection 5(1) or (2) of the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) who enters Canada from the United States for the purpose of making a claim for refugee protection
12	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
13	A person in the trade or transportation sector who is important for the movement of goods or people, including a truck driver or crew member on any aircraft, shipping vessel or train, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that sector
14	A person who enters Canada at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances: (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing; (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
15	A person who enters Canada regularly to go to their normal place of employment or returns from their normal place of employment in the United States, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
16	A habitual resident of Point Roberts, Washington or Northwest Angle, Minnesota who enters Canada to access the mainland United States or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while inside Canada
17	A habitual resident of an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out an everyday function within that community
18	A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out an everyday function that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involves entering the United States
19	A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from paragraph 4.1(1)(b) and section 4.3 of this Order
20	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 19 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
21	A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution, if they will not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older
22	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 21 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
23	A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
24	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
25	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
26	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Hyder, Alaska who enters Canada only to access the necessities of life from the closest Canadian community where such necessities of life are available
27	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Campobello Island, New Brunswick or Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having been in the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
28	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
29	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
30	A person who, in extraordinary circumstances, is released by a quarantine officer from the requirement referred to in subsection 2.2(1) of this Order, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer
31	A habitual resident of a place in Alaska who enters Canada via Yukon to access another place in Alaska or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while inside Canada

SCHEDULE 2

(Subsection 2.3(4), subparagraph 3.1(1)(a)(ii), subsection 3.2(2), paragraph 3.3(2)(a), subsection 3.4(2), paragraph 4.1(1)(b) and (5)(a) and section 4.5)

Exempted Persons — Various Requirements

TABLE 1

Quarantine
Item	Persons
1	A person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in section 1.1 of this Order
2	A person who enters Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
3	A member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that force
4	A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, (a) the person or any member of a class of persons enters Canada to provide an essential service; and (b) the requirement to quarantine themselves in accordance with section 4.1 of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person to provide the essential service
5	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in section 4.1 of this Order to quarantine themselves, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, is in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the relevant Minister and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
6	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
7	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of providing medical care, transporting or collecting essential medical equipment, supplies or means of treatment, or delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
8	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of receiving essential medical services or treatments within 36 hours of entering Canada, other than services or treatments related to COVID-19, as long as they remain under medical supervision for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
9	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
10	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a student in the health field, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
11	A licensed health care practitioner with proof of employment in Canada who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a practitioner, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
12	A person, including a captain, deckhand, observer, inspector, scientist and any other person supporting commercial or research fishing-related activities, who enters Canada on board a Canadian fishing vessel or a foreign fishing vessel, as those terms are defined in subsection 2(1) of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, for the purpose of carrying out fishing or fishing-related activities, including offloading of fish, repairs, provisioning of the vessel and exchange of crew
13	A habitual resident of an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out an everyday function within that community
14	A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out an everyday function that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involves entering the United States
15	A person who enters Canada on board a vessel, as defined in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, that is engaged in research and that is operated by or under the authority of the Government of Canada or at its request or operated by the government of a province, a local authority or a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, if the person remains on board the vessel
16	A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from paragraph 4.1(1)(b) and section 4.3 of this Order
17	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 16 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
18	A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution, if they will not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older
19	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 18 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
20	A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
21	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
22	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
23	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Hyder, Alaska who enters Canada only to access the necessities of life from the closest Canadian community where such necessities of life are available
24	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Campobello Island, New Brunswick or Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having entered the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
25	A person who enters Canada in a conveyance at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances, if neither the person nor any other person in the conveyance left the conveyance while outside Canada: (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing; (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
26	A person who, under an arrangement entered into between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters Canada, is participating in a project to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in this Order, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
27	A person or any person in a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in section 4.1 of this Order to quarantine themselves, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19

TABLE 2

Undergoing Tests in Canada
Item	Persons
1	A person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in section 1.1 of this Order
2	A person who enters Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
3	A member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that force
4	A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, (a) the person or any member of a class of persons enters Canada to provide an essential service; and (b) the requirement to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test under subsection 2.3(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person to provide the essential service
5	A person or any member of a class of persons referred to in item 5 of Table 1 of Schedule 2 for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 2.3(1) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test is, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the relevant Minister and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
6	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
7	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of providing medical care, transporting or collecting essential medical equipment, supplies or means of treatment, or delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
8	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of receiving essential medical services or treatments within 36 hours of entering Canada, other than services or treatments related to COVID-19, as long as they remain under medical supervision for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
9	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
10	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a student in the health field, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
11	A licensed health care practitioner with proof of employment in Canada who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a practitioner, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
12	A person, including a captain, deckhand, observer, inspector, scientist and any other person supporting commercial or research fishing-related activities, who enters Canada on board a Canadian fishing vessel or a foreign fishing vessel, as those terms are defined in subsection 2(1) of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, for the purpose of carrying out fishing or fishing-related activities, including offloading of fish, repairs, provisioning of the vessel and exchange of crew
13	A habitual resident of an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out an everyday function within that community
14	A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out an everyday function that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involves entering the United States
15	A person who enters Canada on board a vessel, as defined in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, that is engaged in research and that is operated by or under the authority of the Government of Canada or at its request or operated by the government of a province, a local authority or a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, if the person remains on board the vessel
16	A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from paragraph 4.1(1)(b) and section 4.3 of this Order
17	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 16 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
18	A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution, if they will not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older
19	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 18 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
20	A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
21	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
22	A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
23	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Hyder, Alaska who enters Canada only to access the necessities of life from the closest Canadian community where such necessities of life are available
24	A habitual resident of the remote communities of Campobello Island, New Brunswick or Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having entered the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
25	A person who enters Canada in a conveyance at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances, if neither the person nor any other person in the conveyance left the conveyance while outside Canada: (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing; (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
26	A person who, under an arrangement entered into between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters Canada, is participating in a project to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in this Order, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
27	A person or any person in a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 2.3(1) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test does not, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, pose a risk of significant harm to public health, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
28	A person who is less than five years of age
29	A person who provides to the screening officer or quarantine officer evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test indicating that they received a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before their entry into Canada or before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time
30	Any person who boards a medical evacuation flight for medical purposes, if the urgency of the medical situation does not permit a COVID-19 molecular test on entry into Canada
31	Any person who undergoes a test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol referred to in subsection 2.4(1) of this Order
32	A habitual resident of Point Roberts, Washington or Northwest Angle, Minnesota who enters Canada to access the mainland United States or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while inside Canada
33	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 2.3(1) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test in Canada is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
34	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
35	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
36	An accredited person and a person holding a D1, O1 or C1 visa entering Canada to take up a post and become an accredited person
37	A diplomatic or consular courier
38	A habitual resident of a place in Alaska who enters Canada via Yukon to access another place in Alaska or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while inside Canada

TABLE 3

Government-authorized Accommodation
Item	Persons
1	A person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in section 1.1 of this Order
2	A person who enters Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
3	A member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that force
4	An accredited person and a person holding a D1, O1 or C1 visa entering Canada to take up a post and become an accredited person
5	A diplomatic or consular courier
6	A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, (a) the person enters Canada to provide an essential service; and (b) the requirement to quarantine themselves at a government-authorized accommodation in accordance with paragraph 4.1(1)(a) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person to provide the essential service
7	A person or any member of a class of persons referred to in item 5 of Table 1 of Schedule 2 for whom the release from the requirement set out in paragraph 4.1(1)(a) of this Order to quarantine themselves at a government-authorized accommodation is, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the relevant Minister and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
8	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
9	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of providing medical care, transporting or collecting essential medical equipment, supplies or means of treatment, or delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
10	A person who enters Canada for the purpose of receiving essential medical services or treatments within 36 hours of entering Canada, other than services or treatments related to COVID-19, as long as they remain under medical supervision for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
11	A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
12	A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a student in the health field, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
13	A licensed health care practitioner with proof of employment in Canada who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a practitioner, if they do not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
14	A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
15	A person who, under an arrangement entered into between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters Canada, is participating in a project to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in this Order, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
16	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in paragraph 4.1(1)(a) of this Order to quarantine themselves at a government-authorized accommodation does not, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, pose a risk of significant harm to public health, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
17	A person who provides to the screening officer or quarantine officer evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test indicating that they received a positive result for the COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before their entry into Canada or before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time
18	Any person who boards a medical evacuation flight for medical purposes, if the urgency of the medical situation does not permit them to quarantine at a government-authorized accommodation on entry into Canada
19	Any person who undergoes a test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol referred to in subsection 2.4(1) of this Order
20	A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in paragraph 4.1(1)(a) of this Order to quarantine themselves at a government-authorized accommodation is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
21	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
22	A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
23	A person who is less than 18 years of age and who will not be accompanied in the government-authorized accommodation by a person who is 18 years of age or older
24	A person who is 18 years of age or older and is dependent on one or more other persons for care or support by reason of mental or physical limitation, and who will not be accompanied in the government-authorized accommodation by a person who is 18 years of age or older
25	A foreign national who holds a valid work permit issued under subparagraph 200(1)(c)(ii.1) or (iii) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations or a foreign national whose application for a work permit under one of those subparagraphs was approved and who has received written notice of the approval but who has not yet been issued the permit, provided that (a) the permit authorizes the foreign national to work in a unit group referred to in Schedule 3 to this Order and set out in the National Occupational Classification that was developed by the Department of Employment and Social Development and Statistics Canada and published in 2016; and (b) the foreign national will not use public transportation, including an aircraft, bus, train, subway, taxi or ride-sharing service, to travel from the place where they enter Canada to the place where they will quarantine themselves

SCHEDULE 3

(Schedule 2)

Occupational Categories
Item	Column 1 Unit Groups	Column 2 National Occupational Classification Codes
1	Managers in agriculture	0821
2	Managers in horticulture	0822
3	Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers — retail and wholesale	6331
4	Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers	8252
5	Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services	8255
6	General farm workers	8431
7	Nursery and greenhouse workers	8432
8	Harvesting labourers	8611
9	Process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated products processing	9461
10	Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers	9462
11	Fish and seafood plant workers	9463
12	Labourers in food and beverage processing	9617
13	Labourers in fish and seafood processing	9618

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order.)

Proposal

This Order in Council, entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations), is made pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act. The Order repeals and replaces the Order in Council P.C. 2021-615 of the same title, which came into force on June 21, 2021.

In effect, the new Order extends the duration of the measures set out in the previous order and makes technical changes to harmonize the French and English versions.

This Order complements the Orders in Council entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States) and Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) and any related Interim Order made under the Aeronautics Act to minimize the risk of importing COVID-19.

This Order will be in effect from 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, on the date it is made until 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern daylight time, on August 21, 2021.

Objective

This Order, like its predecessor, maintains Canada’s focus on reducing the introduction and further spread of COVID-19 and new variants of the virus into Canada by decreasing the risk of importing cases from outside the country.

This Order continues to require all persons who enter Canada, whether by air, land, or sea, to provide accurate contact information for the first 14 days in Canada, to answer questions to determine if they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and, with exceptions, to quarantine or isolate for 14 days from the day upon which they entered Canada. The Order maintains all requirements for all unvaccinated travellers to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result before entering Canada, and to undergo testing when entering and once again later in the 14-day post-entry period, subject to limited exceptions. This Order also continues to require that all unvaccinated travellers entering Canada by air, with limited exceptions, enter a government-authorized accommodation near the first port of entry while awaiting the result of the first post-entry test. Under this Order, the mandatory traveller declarations on vaccination status, proof of vaccination, and the modified quarantine and testing requirements for fully vaccinated persons remain.

Background

COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of what is now known as COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 has demonstrated that it can cause widespread illness if not contained. The WHO continues to provide technical guidance and advice to countries for containing the pandemic, including identification of cases and recommendations for measures to prevent further spread. Since September 2020, multiple countries have detected SARS-CoV-2 variants whose mutations may increase pathogenicity and/or transmissibility and potentially reduce vaccine effectiveness; these are referred to as variants of concern. The introduction of the new variants of concern may further worsen the negative health impacts of COVID-19.

Testing

Testing capabilities have advanced significantly over the past months. Over 197 countries and territories require a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test or medical certificate as a condition of entry into their jurisdictions. The United States, for instance, currently requires that all travellers to the United States have evidence of a negative pre-departure molecular or antigen test three days prior to boarding a flight to the United States. The United States is also actively exploring its approach to the land borders. As of April 2, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their recommendations for fully vaccinated travellers, advising them that although pre-arrival testing continues to be required, they are no longer required to quarantine after arriving in the United States.

COVID-19 molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) tests, have a higher sensitivity for detecting COVID-19 over the duration of infection. They are also able to detect most symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. An antigen test is more likely to miss a COVID-19 infection compared to a molecular test, such as a PCR test. Therefore, molecular tests are more accurate for use in pre-departure screening.

Available science demonstrates that, as is the case with many other viruses, a person may continue to obtain a positive molecular test result up to 90 days after their infection, even though they are no longer considered infectious. Positive test results of previously infected individuals should not be considered as evidence of a new infection posing risk, but rather that a person has recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection. Since a positive test result may inadvertently prevent a recovered patient from entering Canada, acceptable proof of prior infection from an asymptomatic traveller is accepted as an alternative to the requirement to test upon arrival and (for air travellers) to go into a government-authorized accommodation. Requiring that prior positive test results be obtained no sooner than 14 days before the initial scheduled departure (by air) or arrival (by land) time allows for the time needed to become non-infectious, thus preventing those persons who may be infectious from travelling and possibly transmitting COVID-19 upon travel to Canada.

The Government of Canada conducted a number of pilot programs with provincial governments and industry stakeholders at select airports and border crossings, which demonstrated that the frequency of people coming into Canada with COVID-19 was approximately 1–2%, meaning that at least one person on every flight with 100 passengers to Canada has the virus responsible for COVID-19. In all, 68.5% of cases tested positive upon arrival. An additional 25.8% of positive cases were identified at day 7 of their quarantine period, with another 5.6% identified by day 14. As of July 15, 2021, since implementation of pre-departure, on arrival and post-arrival testing in February 2021, the Government has continued to see a total overall test positivity rate of 1.0% of travellers arriving by air and 0.2% test positivity rate of travellers arriving by land.

Vaccination

Knowledge of the duration of the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing asymptomatic infection and reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other individuals is rapidly evolving. At this time, studies suggest that vaccinations may be able to reduce viral loads, and possibly infectiousness; there is emerging evidence suggesting that vaccines have an impact on preventing transmission. Vaccinated individuals are less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are therefore less likely to transmit infection to others. In addition, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that vaccinated individuals, if infected, are less likely to spread infection than unvaccinated infected people. Emerging evidence-based scientific data and experience will help inform future Government of Canada action in this area.

While the CDC have announced that persons who are fully vaccinated may stop wearing masks and maintaining physical distance in some indoor and outdoor settings, they continue to recommend masking and distancing for activities such as receiving medical services and travelling by public transportation. They also continue to require pre-departure testing for all travellers to the United States, including those who are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 situation globally

Canada continues to have a Level 3 travel health notice for all countries, including the United States, advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada. Recently, the United States has reduced the level of some of its travel health notices, including reducing the travel health notice for Canada from Level 4 to Level 3.

The global number of daily reported cases of COVID-19 has increased slightly in recent weeks. Countries in many parts of the world continue to report high numbers of cases and global vaccine coverage is still low. As of July 11, 2021, the countries reporting the highest number of new cases in the previous seven days were Brazil (333 030 new cases; 9% decrease), India (291 789 new cases; 7% decrease), Indonesia (243 119 new cases; 44% increase), the United Kingdom (210 277 new cases; 30% increase), and Colombia (174 320 new cases; 15% decrease).

In many countries, the spread of more contagious variants of concern has contributed to a third wave. Several new variants of the virus with higher transmissibility detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil and India have now been identified in many countries around the globe, including Canada and the United States, which have seen an increasing number of variant cases. As of July 11, 2021, the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant is reported in 178 countries, the B.1.351 (Beta) variant is reported in 123 countries, the P.1 (Gamma) variant is reported in 75 countries and the B.1.617 (Delta) variant is reported in 111 countries across all six WHO regions. All four of these variants have been detected in the United States, with the most prevalent being the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant; however, the prevalence of the B.1.617 (Delta) variant has been increasing rapidly.

The heightened risk posed by the accelerated spread of these variants places some jurisdictions at a likelihood of increased COVID-19 transmission. Therefore, there remains the potential for a resurgence of travel-related cases in Canada if the border restrictions were to be broadly lifted at this time.

COVID-19 situation in Canada

As a result of measures limiting optional or discretionary travel into Canada, the number of travel-related COVID-19 cases remains a fraction of the imported cases seen at the beginning of the pandemic. Canada has seen an 87% decrease in the number of travellers arriving from the United States, in June 2021 compared to June 2019, and a 93% decrease among international travellers arriving from all other countries for the same period.

However, the rate of importation increased in March and April 2021, driven by a number of factors, including the introduction of mandatory Canadian border testing measures that increased case detection; a worsening global situation; as well as an increase in the number of imported cases from India and Pakistan. Following the April 22, 2021, implementation of a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that restricted direct flights from India and Pakistan and a Transport Canada interim order that required indirect travellers from these countries to obtain a negative COVID-19 test from a third country, the rate of case importation into Canada decreased in May. The NOTAM and the interim order were lifted for Pakistan on June 22, 2021, while they were extended for India until July 21, 2021.

The number of reported imported cases is likely an underestimate of the true value. However, the introduction of border testing has led to improved case detection and the current number of reported imported cases is therefore likely a closer approximation of the true estimate of imported cases than what was reported prior to the implementation of routine post-border testing in February 2021. Based on a current review of international experience with new variants, maintaining measures that leverage the availability of testing technologies will further prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 or new variants of concern in Canada.

Evidence demonstrates that pre-departure testing combined with testing all travellers upon entry and again later in the quarantine period will enable detection of the majority of persons with COVID-19 arriving in Canada. The identification of these cases will further permit genetic sequencing and the identification of novel variants of concern to support public health efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Requiring travellers entering Canada by aircraft to reside in a government-authorized accommodation until they receive their first test result will help identify and isolate those who may introduce or spread COVID-19 variants. Persons who are fully vaccinated may not present as high a risk as unvaccinated travellers, so the public health risk mitigated by a government-authorized accommodation and a 14-day quarantine is lower for those who have received a vaccine.

Government of Canada response to COVID-19 pandemic

Between February 3, 2020, and July 1, 2021, 57 emergency orders were made under the Quarantine Act to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Canada — to reduce the risk of importation from other countries, to repatriate Canadians, and to strengthen measures at the border to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Canada. Some provinces and territories have implemented their own restrictions. Together, these measures have been effective in reducing the number of travel-related cases.

The Government of Canada has replaced inefficient paper-based processes at Canada’s ports of entry with electronic means, including the ArriveCAN app and website, to reduce the public health risks of traveller backlogs and to allow for timely oversight and tracking by public health officials of travellers entering Canada. Traveller volumes are expected to increase significantly in the coming months. Therefore, there is no reasonable alternative to the increasing mandatory use of ArriveCAN to allow travellers to electronically submit COVID-19 related information in advance of their arrival.

Changes to international travel restrictions and advice are based on national and international evidence-based risk assessments. The Government of Canada recognizes that entry prohibitions, mandatory quarantine requirements, and testing protocols place significant burdens on the Canadian economy, Canadians, and their immediate and extended families. The Government will consider a blend of criteria, including hospital capacity, infection rates, variants of concern, and eligible population vaccination rates, when determining when to transition through the phases of reopening.

Increasing vaccination rates in Canada means that Canadians are better protected from potential sources of infection, including imported cases. Evidence shows COVID-19 vaccines are highly protective, with a low percentage of cases reported following vaccination. In this context, the Government of Canada took its first step toward easing border measures by removing quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers currently permitted entry into Canada. The Government of Canada will continue to review the available evidence and monitor the situation to determine appropriate, incremental steps to lifting border measures that facilitate the safe resumption of international travel, while still reducing the introduction and transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

Implications

Key impacts for persons entering Canada

As was the case under the previous Order, all travellers entering by land and air must still submit accurate contact information and quarantine plans, or just contact information if they are exempt from quarantine, to the Minister of Health by electronic means or another means for certain classes of persons as determined by the Minister. The current requirement to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result before entering Canada, with limited exceptions, continues to apply. All travellers arriving by land and air, with limited exceptions, must continue to provide information on their vaccination status to assist with identification of vaccine-escape variants.

Unvaccinated travellers, with limited exceptions, continue to be required to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test upon entry into, as well as after entering, Canada. Unvaccinated travellers entering by air must remain in a government-authorized accommodation at the first port of entry until their first test result is received. Unvaccinated persons who are exempt from staying in a government-authorized accommodation are still required to quarantine for 14 days from the day they enter Canada.

Fully vaccinated persons currently permitted to enter Canada are exempt from the government-authorized accommodation stay when arriving by air if certain conditions are met. Fully vaccinated persons entering by air or land also remain exempt from the requirement to quarantine. These travellers must continue to electronically submit COVID-19 related information into ArriveCAN as required, meet the pre- and on-arrival test requirements, have a suitable quarantine plan in place as a precautionary measure, be asymptomatic, and not have any positive COVID-19 tests or exposure to another traveller who is symptomatic or who has tested positive. These persons must continue to provide evidence of vaccination electronically prior to or when entering Canada (depending on the mode of travel). This documentation must be in English or French, or a certified translation into either of these languages, and travellers must keep accessible copies during the first 14 days after entering Canada. As is true for other travellers exempt from quarantine, fully vaccinated persons are still required to wear a mask at all times in public and keep a list of their close contacts for the full 14-day period.

The Government of Canada has replaced inefficient paper-based processes at Canada’s ports of entry. Therefore, the Government continues to require fully vaccinated travellers arriving at land ports of entry to electronically submit COVID-19 related information into ArriveCAN in advance of their arrival. Final determination regarding exemptions is made by a government representative at the border based on the information presented at the time of entry into Canada.

Under this Order, the Minister of Health, on recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, is still authorized to require any fully vaccinated person to undergo a modified or randomized COVID-19 testing regimen (e.g. waiving the on-arrival test for some travellers) during the 14 days following their entry into Canada, and to report the result to the Minister, a screening officer or a quarantine officer. If the person obtains a positive result for the required COVID-19 test, the person must follow the instructions provided by the public health authority specified by the screening or quarantine officer.

As before, unvaccinated children under 18 and some dependent adults travelling with a fully vaccinated parent by air are exempt from remaining in a government-authorized accommodation, although they are required to complete the full testing and 14-day quarantine requirements, as they remain susceptible to COVID-19 and can present a risk to others. This cautionary approach of continuing to require post-border testing and quarantine similarly applies to those who were previously infected with COVID-19 or are unable to undergo vaccination.

Penalties

Consultation

Contact

Kimby Barton
Public Health Agency of Canada
Telephone: 613‑960‑6637
Email: kimby.barton@canada.ca