British Columbians returning home from outside of Canada, including the U.S., are no longer on their honour to self-isolate – they will now be met at borders and airports and must prove they have self isolation plans or will be quarantined at government facilities.
As of Friday, April 10, new rules go into effect under the Quarantine Act that require British Columbians returning from outside the country to submit a self-isolation plan, either online or at the border.
The measures are intended to address concerns that British Columbians who have returned home from abroad may not be abiding by mandates to self isolate for 14 days, as part of the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures.
The province will offer help, if it’s needed, to ensure they go straight home and stay there for 14 days.
Provincial officials will be meeting returning British Columbians at airports and border crossings. Returning travellers must have self-isolation plan confirmations.
These plans can be submitted online. When they are confirmed, they can show their confirmations at the border or airport upon their arrival.
If they don’t have a confirmation of their plan, they will be forced into isolation outside of their homes for 14 days.
“With an approved self-isolation plan, they may return home,” a news release from the premier’s office states.
“Without an approved plan, they will remain at an accommodation site for 14 days.”
Travellers who need help – getting groceries and other supplies – in order to self isolate at home, will receive assistance.
“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,” says a government news release.
To fill out a self isolation plan online, click here.
