For persons exempt from mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19

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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published: 2020-10-01

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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, provide contact information as requested and monitor themselves for symptoms subject to any Order made under the Quarantine Act imposing isolation or quarantine requirements upon entry.

Your compliance is subject to verification and enforcement. Those in violation may face transfer to a quarantine facility as well as fines and/or imprisonment. Keep this instruction handout to support your compliance with the requirements outlines below.

Persons exempt from mandatory quarantine

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

Exemption will be validated for each entry into Canada.

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

If you have 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

For 14 days after each time you enter Canada, if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19:

• new or worsening cough,
• shortness of breath/difficulty breathing,
• temperature equal to or over 38 degrees Celsius,
• feeling feverish, chills, fatigue or weakness,
• muscle or body aches,
• new loss of smell or taste,
• headache,
• gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting or feeling very unwell.

You must:

• immediately isolate yourself from others;
• follow the COVID-19 instructions of the public health authority in the province or territory where you are located (see contact information below);
• contact your employer for further instructions related to your work if travelling for work purposes.

For information on flights, cruise ships or trains (any public conveyance) where you may have been exposed to COVID-19 during recent travel, please refer to Locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

For information on risk factors for increased exposure to COVID-19 and/or more severe disease or outcomes, please refer to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks.

While in Canada, it is also recommended that you:

• Limit your contact with others, particularly those who are at risk of more severe disease.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.