People are coming here with Covid
People are flying here and testing positive for Covid. CBC describes Canada’s borders as shut tight but obviously there are still planeloads of people getting through.
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Kate
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DeWolf 09:17 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
The border is closed to non-residents but you can still get in if you’re a citizen, a permanent resident or if you have a valid work/study visa. Non-Canadians can also enter if they’re visiting immediate family who live in Canada.
Bill Binns 09:36 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
I have flown into Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver since early June and all the “safeguards” basically amount to the honor system. Once you know the magic words to repeat over and over (No symptoms, going straight home for 2 weeks, here’s my mask etc) you sail right through. I went through a lot of trouble to gather “essential worker” paperwork but I haven’t been asked for it once. Simply stating that I am an essential worker has worked like “open sesame” every time I have been questioned.
Systems that assume lying doesn’t exist tend to be wildly ineffective.
DeWolf 09:41 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
Aside from the Atlantic provinces, there are no restrictions on travel within Canada, so it’s no wonder you weren’t stopped, Bill. The mandatory quarantine is for people coming from outside of the country and it is indeed enforced through random check-ins – I know several people who have done it.
walkerp 09:49 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
Yes, from anecdotal experience, coming in from another country is quite strict. A friend and a family member both did it and they all got phone calls and even believe police cars were cruising by their house.
Bill Binns, “Systems that assume lying doesn’t exist tend to be wildly ineffective.” is inaccurate. It’s not a binary outcome. Lying must be assessed as a risk factor. What percentage of people lie? How much would that impact the overall outcome? In this specific case, I would roughly estimate that lying would be a minor impact and not make it “wildly ineffective”, given general culture behaviours in Canada and that it is in most people’s best interest to not get sick. Let’s avoid exaggerated language and excluded middles in online discussion.
Josh 11:31 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
@DeWolf: The territories have restrictions, too.
Faiz imam 11:44 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
My in-laws drove to Canada from New Jersey to spend a couple of months in Toronto.
They are Canadian citizens and got in no problem, but they were given a long lecture on proper behaviour, and are under strict quarantine.
Seriously, CBSA calls them 4 times a day, every day, to make sure they are home.
jeather 12:07 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
I’ve known people who came back to Canada from the US and they’ve had random police show up at their house to check that they are in quarantine. I believe they also will quarantine you if your plan doesn’t seem feasible.
Kate 12:15 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
Thanks to all who explain the firmness of our quarantine. It’s good to know.
Bill Binns 12:48 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
I wasn’t clear. I have returned to Canada from the US through YUL, YYZ and YVR since early June. On each of those flights I was coming from a Covid hotspot too (Houston, L.A. and Miami).There have been no phone calls to my house and the only time I had my temp taken was once at LAX.
JaneyB 12:51 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
There are restrictions on in-Canada travel. Like the Maritimes, Western Canada has a bubble in effect. They require 14 day self-isolation which in Manitoba at least will include phone checks both robo and human, fines etc. Also any friends you are meeting for pleasure will grill you on your measures because everyone wants to keep trouble out. I realize Wpg is not on everyone’s bucket list lol.
Kate 19:20 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
JaneyB, I have friends from Winnipeg who lived here for 20 years before going back. They tell me they are implacable about pandemic measures, even though the infection rate there has never been high. But one reason they went back was to look after an elderly parent, so they’re motivated to keep a tight bubble. I have a standing invitation to go visit but won’t be taking it up anytime soon.
CE 19:31 on 2020-08-18 Permalink
@Bill,Binns, did you quarantine after those thrips to the US? Especially after visiting hot spots?