Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ready to bring the weight of the federal government on anyone not self-isolating after international travel.
The federal government is making use of the federal Quarantine Act in ways not seen before, with all travellers coming to Canada from elsewhere, barring a small number of essential workers, legally required to self-isolate for two weeks.
Self-isolation from travellers had been strongly encouraged, but Trudeau said in the federal government’s March 26 briefing from Sussex Drive that some people were not following the requests.
“Some people have not been taking this seriously,” he said.
“They're stopping by the grocery store on their way home from the airport, getting together with friends after being away for March break. This kind of conduct is not just disappointing. It's dangerous.”
Trudeau said those not following self-isolation rules could face fines or prison time.
“We know that the vast majority of Canadians have been following the guidelines set out for their own protection and for the protection of all of us,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there are a number of people who have not been following the guidelines that are there for their protection, which is why we've had to take this next step of bringing in the Quarantine Act.”
Trudeau said health officials would follow up with people self-isolating to make sure they are following the rules.
During the press conference, Trudeau also announced the federal government will be merging their $107 billion of COVID-19 support into one program, adding an online application will be live in the next 10 days.
