COVID-19 Information and Guidance

You are required to self-isolate (even if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination) if you:

• are a confirmed or probable case (external PDF) of COVID-19;
• have new symptoms (even mild symptoms) or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting test results;
• have symptoms (even mild symptoms) of COVID-19 or have had such symptoms within the past 10 days;
• have come in close contact with a confirmed or a probable case (external PDF) of COVID-19 (a fully vaccinated contact may not be required to self-isolate; see details in Instruction Letter for Contacts (PDF file))
• have been asked to do so by Halton Region Public Health or received an exposure notification from the COVID-19 Alert app (external link) you should self-isolate for 14 days.
• live with someone who has had a high-risk exposure (close contact), you are required to stay home except for essential reasons (for example, attending work/school/child care or essential errands such as groceries, medical appointments or picking up prescriptions) for the duration of the contact’s self-isolation period. A fully vaccinated person who lives with someone who has had a high-risk/close contact exposure may not be required to self-isolate.

If you fall into any of the categories listed above, you are required to self-isolate under a Class Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Refer to our fact sheet to learn how this order impacts you.

Your household members should self-isolate if you have a new or worsening symptom of COVID-19 (even if you have only one symptom) until:

• you receive a negative COVID-19 test result; OR
• you receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional.

If your household members are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, they may not need to self-isolate.

If you are not tested, or do not receive an alternative diagnosis from a health care professional:

• you must self-isolate (including from others in your household) for 10 days from the date of experiencing symptoms; AND
• all members of your household must self-isolate for 14 days from their last date of exposure with the symptomatic family/household member. If your household members are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, they may not need to self-isolate

Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days is also required to self-isolate under the Quarantine Act unless you are exempt (see Travel-related self-isolation section).

If it is difficult for you to self-isolate, contact 311 or visit Halton Region’s COVID-19 Social and Community Supports page for information about food, housing and financial assistance.

The Ontario Ministry of Health recommends self-isolating for different lengths of time, depending on the situation. These recommendations are based on the latest research regarding the length of COVID-19’s infectious period, which has shown:

• People with confirmed COVID-19 are considered contagious for 10 days from when they first develop symptoms.
• The incubation period ranges from 1-14 days, with an average of 5-6 days, therefore it can take up to 14 days for a person to develop symptoms after being exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The table below outlines who should self-isolate, when to self-isolate and the length of each isolation period.

Symptoms range from mild (like the flu and other common respiratory infections) to severe. Common symptoms of COVID-19 are listed below. These symptoms are subject to change. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website for latest information (external PDF).

• fever (temperature of 37.8°C/100°F or greater)
• new or worsening cough (including croup)
• shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply, wheeze)
• sore throat (painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing)
• runny nose
• nasal congestion (without other known cause, such as seasonal allergies)
• decrease or loss of sense of smell or taste
• nausea/vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain (that is persistent or ongoing)

Uncommon symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• chills
• headache (that is new and persistent, unusual, unexplained or long-lasting)
• pink eye
• fatigue, lethargy or malaise (general feeling of being unwell, lack of energy, extreme tiredness)
• muscle aches and pain
• decreased or lack of appetite (for young children and not related to other known cause)

Information on multisystem inflammatory illness (vasculitis) and its association with COVID-19 in children is still emerging. This condition can present with persistent fever for 3 or more days, red eyes, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and rash. For more information about this condition, refer to the World Health Organization.

Individuals with symptoms (even if mild) associated with COVID-19 are required to self-isolate (external PDF) under a class order issued by the Medical Officer of Health under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (see Self-isolation tab on this webpage). Individuals with symptoms must self-isolate even if they have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms associated with COVID-19, refer to the Assessment tab on this webpage for information on assessment and testing.

View our entrance screening poster for a list of common COVID-19 symptoms and actions to take if you have a symptom.

Visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine safety.

Most people with COVID-19 will recover on their own by:

• drinking plenty of fluids;
• getting rest and sleeping as much as possible; and
• using a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough.

Health Canada states that there is no definitive evidence that ibuprofen worsens COVID-19 symptoms. Please consult Health Canada’s website(external link).

Consumption of methanol will not protect against COVID-19. Methanol is not meant for human consumption and may lead to adverse effects to human health. Methanol should never be ingested, should not come in contact with skin and vapors should not be inhaled.

Human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets and aerosols produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks;
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; or
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands.

COVID-19 can spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor spaces. This is because tiny aerosol droplets containing the COVID-19 virus can remain suspended in the air or travel further than 2 metres. The virus does not appear to be transmitted over long distances through the air, for example, from room-to-room through air ducts or through water.

It is important for everyone to practice public health measures prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to continue to practice these measures even after you have been vaccinated.

The best way to control the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19 is to:

• get vaccinated as soon as you can, once eligible;
• get tested for COVID-19 if you have a symptom (external PDF) (see Testing and results section on this page);
• avoid the three C’s:
  • Crowded places
  • Close-contact settings
  • Confined and enclosed spaces
• have close contact only with individuals within your household;
• when out in public, practice physical distancing (social distancing) (external link) by maintaining a 2-metre (6 foot) distance from others, outside of your household and wear a face covering or non-medical mask if physical distancing is not possible;
• in public indoor spaces, or any other indoor space, physically distance by maintaining a 2-metre distance from others and wear a face covering or non-medical mask;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
• avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose;
• wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub:
  • Wash hands for at least 15 seconds, especially after using the washroom and before preparing food.
  • Use alcohol-based hand rubs safely.
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
• avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada (if you have travelled, it is mandatory to self-isolate for 14 days from when you return home unless you are exempt); 
• self-isolate (see the Self-isolation section on this page) if you have symptoms (even if mild) associated with COVID-19 (note: this is required);
• maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, staying active and getting enough sleep to support your body’s immune system; and
• download the COVID Alert app to be anonymously notified if exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

For more information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Prevention and Risks webpage. 

View our protect yourself and others poster for a summary of key public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Wearing rubber gloves in public does not reduce your risk of COVID-19. Regular handwashing with soap and water and avoiding touching your face, nose and mouth offer more protection.
• Wearing eye protection alone (for example, face shield or goggles) has not been shown to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
• A face shield is not a substitute for wearing a face mask as it does not filter respiratory droplets.
  • A face shield may provide additional protection for the wearer against droplets expelled from another person, however these droplets may still be inhaled around the shield.
  • Respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides of the face shield, which provides less protection (than a mask) to others.
• If a face shield is worn, it is recommended that a non-medical mask also be worn.

Outdoor parks and recreational areas are open.

• Step 1:
  • The following amenities may open with restrictions: Basketball courts, baseball diamonds, batting cages, Frisbee golf locations, cycling tracks and trails, horse riding facilities, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, shooting and archery ranges, boat and watercraft launches, lawn game courts, horseshoe pits, golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, sports fields, BMX and skate parks and playgrounds
  • Outdoor pools, whirlpools, wading pools, waterslides, splash pads and spray pads are also permitted to open with restrictions.

Playgrounds and play structures remain open, however residents must play safely. Wear a mask and keep a two-metre distance from those outside your household. Avoid organizing “playdates” at a playground or play structure.

• Step 1 and 2:
  • Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides may open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
• Step 3:
  • Indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides may open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres

Yes. Golf courses and Frisbee golf courses are open.

• Step 1:
  • Outdoor team sports – training only (no games or practices), 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
  • Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes, social services and physical therapy
• Step 2:
  • Outdoor sports leagues are permitted to open
  • Training for professional or amateur athletes and/or competitions is permitted
• Step 3:
  • Indoor sport and recreational facilities can be open, with some restrictions
  • Outdoor sport and recreational facilities can be open, with some restrictions

• Step 1:
  • The following capacity limits and physical distance is required:
    • Outdoor fitness classes – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
    • Outdoor personal training – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
    • Outdoor sports training only – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
• Step 2:
  • The following capacity limits and physical distance is required:
    • Outdoor fitness classes – 25 people maximum, 3 metres distance
    • Outdoor personal training – 25 people maximum, 3 metres distance
• Step 3:
  • Indoor personal fitness and training is permitted with some restrictions
  • Outdoor personal fitness and training is permitted with some restrictions

• Step 1:
  • Drive-in movies are permitted
• Step 2:
  • Indoor cinemas are closed
  • Indoor performing arts centres are permitted to open for the purpose of rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted event
  • Outdoor cinemas are open with capacity and other restrictions
  • Live music is permitted with capacity and other restrictions
• Step 3:
  • Indoor and outdoor cinemas are open with capacity and other restrictions
  • Indoor and outdoor performing arts, including live music, are open with capacity and other restrictions

Ontario Parks and campgrounds can open.

Short-term rentals are permitted.

Until June 16, Travel into Ontario from the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec is restricted (under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) except for essential purposes such as work, health care services, transportation and delivery of goods and services or exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights.

Employees must work from home except where necessary. Businesses and organizations permitted to open must ensure that employees work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on site.

• Step 1:
  • Essential retail stores remain open at 25% capacity and can sell all goods (including discount and big box stores)
  • Non-essential retail can open at 15% capacity and can sell all goods
  • Retail stores in malls are closed unless the stores have a street facing entrance
  • Curbside pick-up is permitted for any business in a shopping mall that is not permitted to open for in-person retail sales, provided curbside pick-up occurs outside of the shopping mall or at a designated location inside the mall.
• Step 2:
  • Essential retail can open with 50% capacity
  • Non-essential retail stores can open with 25% capacity
• Step 3:
  • Essential and non-essential retail open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres

• Step 1:
  • Outdoor dining will be permitted with 4 people per table and other restrictions
• Step 2:
  • Outdoor dining will be permitted with 6 people per table and other restrictions
• Step 3:
  • Indoor dining will be permitted with capacity limitations
  • Outdoor dining is permitted, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
  • Buffets are permitted

Yes. These services are permitted to open.

Please contact your local municipality for information on community centres.

• Step 1 and 2:
  • Can be open for day camps
  • Certain indoor and outdoor activities permitted, with restrictions
• Step 3:
  • Sports and recreational activities permitted, with some restrictions
  • In-person teaching and instruction permitted, with some restrictions

Please contact your local municipality for information on library services.

• Step 1:
  • Libraries may open for contactless delivery, curbside pick-up and for permitted services (for example, child care services, mental health and addiction support services, social services), and are subject to all public health measures. Access to computers, photocopiers, and similar services are permitted.
• Step 2:
  • May open with 25% capacity and other restrictions
• Step 3:
  • Open, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) and other restrictions

• Step 1:
  • Meeting and event space are closed with exceptions for certain purposes including social services, government operations, court services, in-person examinations for select professions (subject to conditions)
• Step 2:
  • Outdoor event spaces may open at 25% capacity and other restrictions
  • Indoor meeting and event spaces are closed, with exceptions for certain purposes
  • Viewing a meeting space for potential booking of a future event is permitted
• Step 3:
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces may open with capacity and other restrictions, including for tradeshows, conferences and exhibitions

Residential construction activities or projects are allowed. Construction activities or projects and related supporting services, including demolition and land surveying, are allowed.

All construction opens in Step 1.

• Step 1:
  • Domestic services such as housekeeping, cooking, indoor and outdoor cleaning, and maintenance services are allowed but only to support children, seniors and vulnerable persons.
• Step 2 and 3:
  • All domestic services may continue.

Real estate showings, including pre-construction sales (for example, for condominium projects), are only permitted by appointment.

Open houses are permitted in Step 3.

In-person driving instruction is permitted with restrictions.

• Step 1:
  • Closed
  • Sensory deprivation pods are permitted when prescribed or administered by a regulated health professional
• Step 2:
  • Personal care services, such as hair salons and spas, may open at 25% capacity to a maximum of 5 people. Services must be by appointment only.
  • Services that require the removal of a face covering are not permitted
  • Only patrons being served are allowed in the setting
• Step 3:
  • All personal care service settings may open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) and other restrictions

• Step 1:
  • Open, clubhouses and indoor amenities are closed
  • Only member of the same household can boat together.
• Step 2:
  • Open, clubhouses and indoor amenities are closed
• Step 3:
  • Open with restrictions

Child care for non-school aged children will remain open.

All publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools are prohibited from providing in-person teaching or instruction, with some limited exceptions for the remainder of the 2020/2021 academic year.

To protect the most vulnerable, school boards will make provisions for continued in-person support for students with special education needs who require additional support that cannot be accommodated through remote learning. Also, certain schools under federal jurisdiction will be governed by federal rather than provincial rules.

Open in Step 1 with restrictions.

• Step 1:
  • Closed
• Step 2 and 3:
  • Open, based on guidance from the Chief Medical Offer of Health

• All publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province are to move to teacher-led remote learning when students return from the April break on April 19, 2021.
• For updated guidance from the Province, please visit Ontario’s COVID-19: Reopening Schools webpage (external link).
• Learn more about how the province-wide shutdown affects schools (external link).
• For guidance to those who provide group transportation for students to or from school when walking or cycling are not feasible see COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Student Group Transportation (PDF file)
• Parents looking for information about the safe operation of schools, visit COVID-19 School Information
• School administrators and staff looking for more information on public health guidelines for schools and post-secondary institutions, visit the School Years Program. 

• On June 19, 2020, the Ontario government released its safety plan and approach to reopening schools for the 2020-21 school year.
• On July 30, 2020, the Ontario government announced that elementary students will return to school full-time in September 2020, remaining in a single cohort, including during recess and lunch. Class sizes will remain at the mandated maximum levels in place prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Secondary students in designated boards will open using an adapted model, with class cohorts of approximately 15 students attending on alternate days or schedules, and with in-person attendance accounting for at least half of instructional days. Remote learning will continue to be available to all students. For more information, refer to the Guide to reopening Ontario’s Schools (external link).
• Halton Region Public Health will provide support to schools in implementing appropriate infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures and with developing protocols for managing any probable or confirmed COVID-19 cases in students or staff.
• Please check our immunization page regularly for updates about school-based immunization clinics. 

• Child care open for non-school-aged children. This includes child care offered in licensed centres, in home-based settings (licensed and unlicensed) and by authorized recreation and skill-building providers.
• All child care centres and home child care providers are required to have enhanced health and safety measures in place, including but not limited to:
  • enhanced cleaning
  • mandatory screening of staff and children
  • a plan in place to support operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• See above for more information on requirements for child care operators
• On or after September 1, 2020, operators are permitted to begin charging fees or deposits in order to hold a space. Parents must be given 14 days’ notice to accept a placement for their child that will be available on or after September 1, 2020.
• For information on available child care in Halton, contact the Child Care Directory and Information Line (CCDIL) (external link) at 905-875-0235 or childcaresearch@thrc.ca.

Halton Region continues to offer prenatal and breastfeeding education programs for expecting parents and families with newborns.

To support residents, the Halton Region Health Department is enhancing our free online courses. For more information, visit Halton Region’s webpages on Prenatal classes and supports and Breastfeeding.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be challenging to parents who are not living together but are co-parenting their children.

For tips on co-parenting during this difficult time, as well as guidance on self-isolation, please refer to our fact sheet Public Health Tips for Parents on Sharing Child Custody and Co-Parenting during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF file).

• Latest testing guidance (exernal PDF) released from the Provincial Government recommends testing the following populations:
  • all Ontario residents presenting with at least one symptom or sign of COVID-19;
  • those who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 (as informed by Halton Region Public Health or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app);
  • are a resident or employee at a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak (as identified by Halton Region Public Health); and
  • those who are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
• Low risk, asymptomatic individuals should not be considered for testing. For more information, refer to the COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance on the Ministry of Health Website (external PDF)
• Please report all individuals who are tested to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.

• It is mandatory for all travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate for 14-days from return. If symptoms develop, they are to remain in self-isolation for 10 days from when symptoms began. 
• Several categories of people are exempt from mandatory 14-day self-isolation provided they have no symptoms of COVID-19.
• Returning travelers who are considered “essential workers” at their place of employment may be able to return to work earlier and should consult their employer’s policy for further direction regarding returning to work. They should continue to follow self-isolation guidelines outside of work.
• Travellers age 5 and up arriving to Canada by plane are now required to provide proof of a negative test result (from a PCR test) within 72 hours of their departure flight.
• Beginning February 1, 2021 the Government of Ontario (external link) requires all international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Ontario.
• International travellers returning to Canada will have to stay at an approved hotel (at their own expense) until they receive a negative test result, for up to three days. Any returning travellers that test positive will be required to quarantine in designated government facilities to ensure they are not carrying any COVID variants of concern.
• Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. They must not go to work, the grocery store or go on walks.

Refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website (external link) for more information on the requirements of travellers returning to Canada

• If you have access to testing supplies (nasopharyngeal swabs) AND appropriate personal protective equipment for droplet precautions (gown, gloves, surgical mask, eye protection), you can perform COVID-19 testing in your clinic.
• Anyone with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 can be assessed and tested. (Refer to the Ministry of Health’s Provincial Testing Guidance).
• Individuals without symptoms who meet any of the provincial testing criteria (external link) may contact select pharmacies (external link) to book an appointment for testing.
• N95 respirators are NOT required for COVID-19 testing.
• If you are testing someone in your clinic, you must report this to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
• If you are not able to perform COVID-19 testing at your clinic:
  • Refer patients who live in Oakville, Milton or Halton Hills to call 905-203-7963 to book an appointment at a Halton Healthcare Assessment Centre.
  • Refer patients who live in Burlington to call 905-632-3737, extension 6550, or visit covidtesting.josephbranthospital.ca to book an appointment at the Joseph Brant Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Clinic or drive-thru clinic. The drive-thru clinic is dedicated to testing individuals without symptoms, while the Assessment Centre is dedicated to testing individuals who are experiencing symptoms.
  • Refer patients without symptoms to call select pharmacies (external link) to book an appointment for testing.

• Order PPE and testing supplies through Ontario Health’s online Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/Swab Kit Intake Form.
• Questions regarding the PPE and Swab Kit Intake Process should be directed to your Regional Supply Chain Team at OHCentralPPEInquiries@lhins.on.ca
• For technical form issues, please contact servicedesk@ehealthontario.on.ca
• Halton Region Public Health does not have access to PPE for primary care physicians.

• On May 26, Ontario set out requirements for health care providers to follow as they gradually restart deferred, non-essential and elective services. Health care providers must comply with the requirements identified in COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart (May 26, 2020 or as current) (external PDF), including infection prevention and control and prioritization measures.
• Physicians should conduct both passive screening (signage (PDF file)) and active screening (ask screening questions (PDF file)) for COVID-19 before providing in-person care for patients.
• If an in-person visit is offered, patients should use the provincial self-assessment tool (external link) prior to their visit and wear their own cloth mask to the office/clinic.
• Physicians should continue to provide medical care that is urgent or essential for patients’ needs, as well as restarting deferred and non-essential services.
• Refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting (external PDF) for guidance on virtual and in-person care.
• Please see the Ontario College of Family Physicians’ COVID-19: Tips for Family Doctors for tips on providing virtual visits.
• Timely immunization is considered essential care and should be provided to patients as per the Ontario Immunization Schedule, especially for children up to 2 years of age. 

• Updated guidance (PDF file) from the Ontario Ministry of Health outlines that health care providers are encouraged to continue to implement a system for virtual and/or telephone consultations when and where possible.
• Refer to the Ontario College of Family Physicians’ COVID-19: Tips for Family Doctors for information on providing virtual visits.
• The Province has implemented provincial rate and billing code changes to allow for virtual care for patients, including physician services (PDF file), nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and dietetics.
• Please see the memo and guidance document attached to the March 20, 2020 Physician Update.

For the most recent physician communications from the Halton Region Medical Officer of Health on COVID-19 and links to physician directives and guidance documents, please visit our Information for Physicians page.

All Halton residents should consider COVID-19 to be widely circulating in the community.

You are encouraged to stay home and only go out for essential purposes such as:

• getting vaccinated
• going to work (work from home, where possible);
• going to school;
• getting groceries or essential items;
• attending medical appointments;
• assisting vulnerable individuals; and
• exercise or physical activity.

Individuals and families in higher transmission areas should avoid travel to lower transmission areas except for essential reasons.

Ontarians will be able to leave home to travel within the province to a secondary residence for any reason, however, they are not permitted to host members of another household indoors except for a person from another household who lives alone or is a caregiver. For more information, read the June 1 provincial news release (external link).

Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons.

Individuals and families who are thinking of travelling to another province should:

• consider the risk associated with travelling – this includes COVID-19 transmission in other provinces and entry restrictions and exemptions (external link) of other provinces or territories.
• review and consider domestic travel requirements (external link).
• self-isolate, or drastically reduce close contact with others 10 to 14 days before travelling and after returning home, to help lower the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• consider public health advice, and follow any rules and regulations of other provinces.

Do not travel if you are not feeling well.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any point during your travel, use the self-assessment tool (external link) to determine what to do next. The screening tool will help determine if you need to seek care or testing, based on your symptoms.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are advised to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Federal government, in co-operation with major airlines, has suspended all air service to Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting January 31, 2021 until April 30, 2021.

As of April 22, 2021, at 11:30 p.m., the Government of Canada has suspended flights from India and Pakistan for a period of 30 days. During this period, passengers who travel to Canada from India or Pakistan via an indirect route will need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

If you're still considering travel outside of Canada, you should:

• understand the risks to your safety and security abroad;
• understand that your trip may be extended if border restrictions change;
• check the Government of Canada’s pandemic travel health notice (external link) before travelling; and
• know the health risks and travel restrictions and requirements for your destination.

As of December 11, 2020, individuals requesting a COVID-19 test for international travel clearance are no longer eligible for a publicly funded COVID-19 test in Ontario (external link). Some pharmacies offer rapid testing for international outbound travel. Fees may apply.

Travellers returning to Canada:

As of February 1, 2021, all international passenger flights will land only at Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal airports. All international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport will require a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the airport upon arrival in Canada, in addition to their required pre-boarding test. As of February 22, 2021, all travellers arriving to Canada by air, will be required to take a molecular test upon arrival. Travellers will have to stay at an approved hotel (at their own expense) until they receive a negative test result, for up to three days. Any returning travellers that test positive will be required to quarantine in designated government facilities to ensure they are not carrying any COVID-19 variants of concern. To learn more, read the Government of Canada’s February 12 news release (external link).

Effective January 7, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. For further details, refer to Transport Canada’s December 31, 2020 News release.

Requirements include:

• The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test;
• The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada;

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. They must not go to work, the grocery store or go on walks. Exemptions may apply for certain groups (external link), such as health care workers.

All travellers entering Canada (by any mode of transportation) must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act (external link).

Beginning February 21, 2021 all travellers must submit their travel and quarantine plans to ArriveCAN (external link) prior to arriving in Canada. Travellers must check in to ArriveCAN daily during the mandatory 14 day quarantine. Read the travel restrictions for more information on what must be included in your quarantine plan (external link).

Border restrictions:

There are currently border restrictions for individuals entering Canada who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Travellers entering Canada may seek approval from the Government of Canada for an exemption from border restrictions and a limited release from mandatory quarantine for compassionate reasons. Before your trip to Canada, you must receive advance approval for both the exemption to the border restrictions and a limited release from quarantine.

For information and the form to apply, please visit Compassionate entry for travellers and limited release from quarantine (external link) on the Government of Canada’s website. Please note that local public health units have no role in this process.

For more information on border restrictions and requirements for returning travelers, please visit the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice webpage (external link).