For travellers over 12 without symptoms who have a medical contraindication against receiving a COVID-19 vaccine

This document explains legal requirements set out in the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations). These contain instructions from a quarantine officer.

Warning: If you do not comply, you may be transferred to a quarantine facility, face fines, and/or imprisonment.

Keep this handout for reference for the next 14 days.

Public health measures to follow for the next 14 days

These measures apply only if:

• you do not develop symptoms
• are not exposed to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms
• are not diagnosed with COVID-19

Keep a copy of written medical evidence that explains the medical reason that prevents you from completing a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen. The evidence must be from a physician who is licensed to practise medicine.

You are required to complete COVID-19 tests on arrival and on day 8

Complete COVID-19 tests on arrival and on day 8

• Take COVID-19 test as directed within 24 hours of arrival to Canada.
  • If instructed to complete your test on-site, you must register and the on-site test provider will collect your sample.
  • If instructed to take a self-swab kit home, you must:
    • complete your specimen collection
    • arrange for pick up and delivery to the test provider
  • If instructed to test off-site at a clinic, pharmacy or satellite testing location, you must proceed to the location specified by the test provider
• Take your day 8 test as instructed (unless you test positive on your on arrival test).
• If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, you must isolate immediately for an additional period of 10 days, even if your province or territory has a shorter isolation period.
  • The isolation period starts the date you completed the COVID-19 test.
  • Keep a copy of your travel-related COVID-19 test results until the end of your isolation.
  • During your isolation period, upon request, provide your test results to the:
    • Government of Canada or
    • government of the province or territory or
    • local public health authority

Limit contact with others

• Stay in a place that allows you to avoid all contact with persons who provide care to persons who meet the following categories:
  • have an underlying medical condition that makes the person susceptible to complications related to
    COVID-19
  • have a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment
  • are 65 years of age or older
• Enter public settings only in accordance with the instructions below, and wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask to minimize the risk of introducing or spreading COVID-19.

Monitor

If you start showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or receive a positive test result from your government COVID-19 molecular test before the expiry of the 14 day period, you must:

• report within 24 hours to the Public Health Agency of Canada by calling 1-833-641-0343
  • the official will provide you with additional details and instructions
• isolate immediately for an additional 10 days, even if your province or territory has a shorter isolation period

The isolation period starts:

• on the earliest of the date you completed the COVID-19 test, if the date is validated by the test provider or
• the date of the test result

Understand the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

For the next 14 days

Do

• Visit uncrowded public settings, such as parks, beaches or going for a walk while wearing a mask, unless physical distancing can be maintained.
• Gather with a small group of people from outside the household who are all known to be fully vaccinated while wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing.  

Don’t

• Attend a setting where you may have contact with vulnerable people, including:
  • long-term care facilities
  • schools or camps with unvaccinated children
  • places with people who are immune compromised, regardless of that person’s vaccination status or the public health measures in place
• Attend work onsite unless you have your employer’s approval to attend in person after having disclosed your recent travel history.
  • Masking and physical distancing must be in place at all times while working onsite, regardless of your employer’s direction.
• Travel on crowded public transportation that does not ensure physical distancing and masking (e.g., crowded subway). 
• Attend large crowded settings, indoors or outdoors, such as a concert or sporting events.

Receiving and understanding your test results

• You will receive an email or text message with instructions on how to view your test results online.
  • Call your testing provider if you do not have internet access.
• If you receive an indeterminate or invalid test result:
  • you are required to take another test
  • contact your testing provider within 24 hours of receiving your test result to make arrangements to complete another sample
• If you require assistance or do not receive your test result after 4 days, please contact your testing provider.
  • Contact information is available at Travel.gc.ca/testing.

For more information

• 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
• canada.ca/coronavirus