Justin Trudeau during March 28, 2020 media conference (Screen grab via Justin Trudeau Facebook)Justin Trudeau during March 28, 2020 media conference (Screen grab via Justin Trudeau Facebook)
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Trudeau announces new domestic travel restrictions

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is introducing additional measures to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.

During his daily briefing on Saturday, Trudeau announced that starting Monday at noon, anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied boarding on all domestic flights and inter-city passenger trains.

"They won't be accepted on board if they have any kind of COVID-19 symptoms," said Trudeau. "We must continue to practice social distancing, physical distancing and we should make responsible decisions."

According to Trudeau, the federal government is working with rail companies and airlines to carry out the new travel restrictions. However, he said it will ultimately be the responsibility of the individual companies to make sure they are enforced.

"People must not be taking planes or trains if they have COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 like symptoms," he said. "We are providing new tools for airlines and railway companies to make sure that people who are showing symptoms don't travel...It will be important for operators of airlines and trains to ensure that people that are exhibiting symptoms do not board. It will be a Transport Canada rule that will be enforced.

Trudeau added that there are currently no plans to close provincial borders.

"There is essential transport and travel that's happening," he said. "Merchandise and food gets delivered across the country. We need to continue that happening. Every step of the way we're going to continue looking at whether we need to take further measures to keep Canadians safe and keep our economy rolling...we will make those decisions as they need to be made."

 

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