British Columbia introduces new measures on Self Isolation for out of country returnees

Premier John Horgan introduced new measures for BC border points to
assist returning travellers in following self-isolation procedures

Premier John Horgan today rolled out some new legal requirements for  travellers returning to British Columbia, with the new measures designed to support the provincial health officer's travel orders and to reinforce the Federal Emergency Order which introduced the Quarantine Act.

“As we welcome British Columbians back home, we must stay vigilant and do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. As we follow the advice and guidance of our provincial health officer, it’s also important to take care of one another. By supporting people through a self-isolation plan after international travel, we will keep people safe and help flatten the curve.” -- Premier John Horgan. 

Effective immediately, international travellers (including from the United States) coming to the province are required to provide a self-isolation plan before or upon arrival to B.C., regardless of their point of entry to Canada.

The document, which can be submitted online or completed in person on arrival, must show that returning travellers have supports in place to safely self-isolate for 14 days.



The Provincial government also announced that as of this Friday, provincial officials will be on hand at Vancouver International Airport as well as the major land border crossings to ensure that self-isolation plan for those arriving in the country are complete.



Towards enforcement of the program, the Province outlined the following elements:

Emergency Management BC, through a network of community supports and volunteer organizations, will help travellers with necessary food deliveries, prescription drugs and other supplies so people can safely self-isolate for 14 days.

 The Province, through Service BC, will follow up with travellers in self-isolation with telephone calls and text messages to make sure people have the support they need to complete their mandatory self-isolation.

If required, the Province will work with travellers to modify self-isolation plans to ensure public safety.

You can learn more about the enhanced measures here.

More notes related to the Provincial COVID-19 response can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.