October 8, 2014
Today, the Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose announced an additional measure to screen travellers to Canada from Ebola-affected regions for signs of illness by confirming the Government’s approach to targeted temperature screening at Canadian borders.
There has never been a case of Ebola in Canada, and the risk to Canadians remains very low.
Canadians and travellers to Canada should be aware of, and understand their obligations under the Quarantine Act.
Under the Act, travellers to Canada must notify a Canada Border Services Agency Officer if they think they might be sick with a contagious illness or been in close contact with someone else who does.
Currently, international border crossings to Canada are monitored 24/7, and travellers from affected West African countries are identified and asked about their health. There are no direct flights into Canada from the affected countries in Africa.
If these travellers are ill or identify as having been in contact with an ill person, they will be referred to a Public Health Agency of Canada Quarantine Officer. Quarantine Officers have the necessary training and equipment, including temperature monitoring devices, to conduct a health assessment and determine whether additional health measures are required.
Should these travellers identify themselves in this manner, a temperature check will now be administered.
This new measure complements additional measures already put in place by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including increasing its public health presence at Canadian airports to assist in screening of travellers from Ebola-affected regions and delivering public health education to international travellers.
I want to reassure Canadians that the risk of Ebola has not changed and remains very low, and we will consider any additional measures needed to protect Canadians.
Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
