For persons exempt from mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19

Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published: 2020-07-01

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You may have come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada. All persons entering Canada MUST QUARANTINE for 14 days and monitor themselves for signs and symptoms subject to the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation) No. 3.
Your compliance with this Order is subject to verification and enforcement. Those in violation may face transfer to a quarantine facility as well as fines and/or imprisonment.

Persons exempt from mandatory quarantine

Certain persons are exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement of the Order when entering Canada for the purposes of performing an essential job or function as identified in the Order.

This exemption does not apply to anyone who has signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have the symptoms upon entry into Canada, you must disclose this information to the border services officer or quarantine officer who will provide additional instructions.

If you are identified as an individual who is exempted from the requirement for mandatory quarantine, you are still required to do the following:

• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering while in public settings if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Continually monitor your health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including for 14 days each time you re-enter Canada.
• Respect the public health guidance and instructions of the area where you are travelling and prevention measures from your workplace.

While this exemption may apply to certain individuals entering Canada, some provinces and territories may have different requirements that could affect entry.

(For example, limited access to certain regions within the province, etc.).

Please refer to provincial or territorial websites for more information.

You must monitor your health

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

For 14 days after each time you enter Canada, if you develop signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, or fever greater than 38°C, or signs of fever e.g. shivering, flushed skin, excessive sweating):

• immediately isolate yourself from others in your living space;
• contact the public health authority in the province or territory where you are located as soon as possible and follow their instructions; and
• contact your employer for further instructions related to your work if travelling for work purposes.

Please refer to Symptoms of COVID-19 for additional symptoms common to COVID-19.

While in Canada, it is also recommended that you:

• Limit your contact with others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.