For travellers with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result

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.

A government representative will be calling you from 1-888-336-7735 and may visit you to verify you are complying with the quarantine measures.

Keep this handout for reference for the next 10 days.

Public health measures to follow

Complete tests on arrival and on day 8

Complete tests on arrival and on day 8, unless you have a test result that indicates you received a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken less than 10 days before you entered Canada.

• Take COVID-19 tests as directed on 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 within 24 hours of entering Canada
    • 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 within 24 hours of entering Canada.
• Take your day 8 test as instructed.
• 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

Isolate

• Go directly to the place where you will isolate without delay, or as directed by a screening officer or quarantine officer.
• Isolate at your suitable place of isolation for 10 days.
• Do not use public transportation (e.g., aircraft, bus, train, subway, taxi or ride-sharing service) to get to your place of isolation.
• While travelling to your place of isolation:
  • wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask, unless you are alone in a private vehicle
  • remain in the vehicle as much as possible
  • avoid stops and contact with others

Report

Report your arrival at your place of isolation within 48 hours in ArriveCAN or at 1-833-641-0343.

Monitor

• Monitor for symptoms throughout your isolation period.
• If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result on your on arrival or day 8 test, 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 yourself for an additional 10 days, even if your province or territory has a shorter isolation period

Start the isolation period on the:

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

Understand the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Isolation

Do

• Avoid all in-person interaction with others, including members of your household.
  • When unable to avoid sharing a space with members of your household, everyone should wear a medical mask.
• Access the necessities of life (e.g., water, food, medication, and heat) without leaving isolation.
• Only go outside on a private balcony or yard while respecting physical distancing from other household members.
• Use a separate bedroom and bathroom.

Don’t

• Do not use shared spaces such as lobbies, courtyards, restaurants, gyms or pools.
• Do not have any visitors.
• Do not leave your place of isolation except for an essential medical service or treatment, to obtain a COVID-19 test, or as authorized by a quarantine officer.
  • If you must seek medical care:
    • wear a medical mask
    • use a private vehicle (do not take public transportation)

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 a negative test result, you may only leave your place of isolation if:
  • you receive negative results on your arrival and day 8 tests and
  • have completed your mandatory 10-day isolation
• 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 arrange 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) 1-833-784-4397
• canada.ca/coronavirus