COVID-19 Update for March 21, 2020 – 12:00pm

This morning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Canadians from his ongoing self-isolation at Rideau Cottage. His focus today was on measures the government is taking to help Canadians stranded abroad.

Trudeau acknowledged that they might not be able to help every Canadian get home, but they will “do as much as we can to help as many Canadians as possible”.

The Government of Canada is already working with Canadian airlines to make flights available to Canadians who need them. The first flight is leaving Morocco this weekend, operated by Air Canada. And the government is currently looking at flight options
from Peru and Spain.

Repatriation flights are being determined based on many factors, including the number of Canadians in a location, the local situation and access to air space. (Trudeau noted there are currently many air space closures.)

The Prime Minister reiterated that Canadians abroad must register with Global Affairs Canada.

To board a flight, returning Canadians will have to adhere to COVID-19 rules: they will be required to isolate for 14 days and if they are showing any symptoms they will not be able to board the plane.

The Prime Minister reiterated in his remarks that it was not necessary to call a ‘National Emergency’ at this time but the government will continue to monitor the situation.

He closed by reminding Canadians to be kind to one another.

The Enterprise Team