Canada: British Columbia extends state of emergency until July 21 /update 19

Event

Authorities in British Columbia (BC) have extended the state of emergency in the province until July 21, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The state of emergency allows Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth to use extraordinary powers and issue orders governing the public response to the virus.

Canadian authorities announced on July 1 that the current ban on most international travelers entering the country has been extended until July 31. Mandatory quarantine measures for new arrivals were also extended until at least August 31, meaning that most travelers to Canada, including returning citizens, are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Travel by US citizens is covered under a separate agreement, keeping the US-Canada border closed to all non-essential travel until at least July 21, although essential US workers may be excluded from the mandatory quarantine period. Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, as well as temporary foreign workers and some international students, can return to Canada by air. Toronto Pearson (YYZ); Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL); Calgary International Airport (YYC); and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are currently the only airports in the country operating international flights.

As of Thursday, July 9, health authorities have confirmed 108,334 COVID-19 cases and 8786 associated deaths in Canada. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.