Ottawa is imposing new travel restrictions on Canadians in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Canada’s main airlines are suspending service to popular sun destinations while travelers returning from abroad will quarantine in a designated government hotel as they await results of a COVID-19 test administered at the airport.
The new restrictions are aimed at discouraging travel and reducing the spread of more infectious variants of COVID-19. Going forward, all returning Canadians will quarantine in an approved hotel for three days at their own expense while they await results of a COVID-19 test taken at the airport.
The hotel requirement could cost each traveler more than $2,000.00. People with negative test results will be able to quarantine for the rest of the mandatory two-week period at home, while people with positive tests will isolate in designated government facilities.
Also, Air Canada (TSX:AC), WestJet (TSX:WJA), Sunwing and Air Transat (TSX:TRZ) will suspend service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico until April 30, and, starting next week, all international passenger flights must land at four airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal.
The airlines said they will be making arrangements with customers who are currently on a trip in these regions to organize their return flights.