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Note:
Original publication: March 14, 2020
Current Situation
The number of countries reporting cases of COVID-19 has been steadily increasing,
and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19
outbreak to be a pandemic. This means the outbreak is now considered to be
worldwide.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending that travellers avoid all non-
essential travel outside of Canada.
Many countries are reporting community or widespread transmission of the virus that
causes COVID-19. In some countries, travellers may have limited access to timely and
appropriate health care should they become ill. Local authorities may impose control
measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine.
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Older people and those with a weakened immune system or underlying medical
condition(s) are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
If you must travel, please visit the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories
page for your destination(s) regularly to verify travel health recommendations and
safety and security information.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the situation and working
with the WHO and other international partners to gather additional information. The
situation is evolving rapidly.
About coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. Some
coronaviruses can cause no or mild illness, like the common cold, but other
coronaviruses can cause severe illness, like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
(MERS-CoV).
Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not.
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most
people with common human coronavirus illnesses will recover on their own.
Wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20
seconds.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available. It's a
good idea to always keep some with you when you travel.
Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands
afterwards.
If you become sick when you are travelling, avoid contact with others except to see a
health care professional.
If you feel sick during your flight to Canada or upon arrival, inform the flight attendant
or a Canadian border services officer.
If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to someone who was sick
with COVID-19, report this information to a Canada border services agent on arrival in
Canada. This is required under the Quarantine Act. The Canada border services agent
will provide instructions for you to follow.
Self-isolate for 14 days after your return from travel outside of Canada. Some
provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups
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such as health care workers.
Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your
arm when coughing or sneezing.
In addition, if you return from Italy, Iran, or Hubei province (China) you will be
asked to contact the public health authority in the province or territory where
you live or are staying within 24 hours of arriving in Canada and to provide your
contact information.
Related links
Other Resources
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WHO – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
WHO - Coronavirus
Date modified:
2019-06-05