Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has introduced new mandatory protocols for air travellers in Canada amid COVID-19.
During a press conference in Ottawa on Friday morning, the prime minister revealed that the federal government will be requiring temperature checks for all air travellers at Canadian airports.
“Physical distancing is still the best way to protect yourself and others, but of course there are some places, like on flights, where it’s not always possible to keep two metres apart,” Trudeau stated Friday.
The government’s plan is to roll out the mandated checks with a three-phased approach.
“First for those travelling to Canada, then for those travelling from Canada and finally for those travelling within Canada,” said Trudeau from outside Rideau Cottage.
According to the prime minister, anyone that shows symptoms of a fever will not be permitted to board their flight.
Trudeau added that employees in secured areas of airports will also be required to have their temperature checked.
“There are strong measures already in place to keep people safe and this screening will add yet another layer of protection,” said Trudeau.
Other measures that have already been taken by the federal government in regards to air travel include making masks mandatory for travellers and staff as well as enhancing cleaning protocols on planes and in airports.
The requirement of non-medical masks is seemingly becoming more commonplace for travellers during COVID-19 as earlier this week, the BC Ferries – as part of a directive from Transport Canada – made it mandatory for all customers to have non-medical masks as well.
Prime Minister Trudeau, along with discussing the new air travel protocols, announced the extension of military aid in Quebec long term care homes until June 26 and took a moment to address a recent RCMP arrest of a prominent chief of a northern Alberta First Nation.
“We’ve all now seen the shocking video of Chief Adam’s arrest. We must get to the bottom of this. Like many people, I have serious questions about what happened,” he said. “The independent investigation must be transparent, and be carried out so that we get answers.”
The past few weeks have seen the issue of systemic racism in police services become the center of discussion as mass protests sparked throughout the USA, Canada, and around the world as a result of the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis.
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