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Canada suspends flights from the United Kingdom until early January due to new strain of COVID-19

Canada suspends flights from the United Kingdom 72 hours (UPDATED until January 6) — OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 20, 2020 – Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is guided by the latest science and research. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the genetic variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United Kingdom and is working with international partners, including the World Health Organization to better understand this variant and its impacts.

Given the high number of cases of a variant COVID-19 virus observed in some areas in the United Kingdom, the decision initially made to suspend entry into Canada of all commercial and private passenger flights from the United Kingdom for 72 hours, has been extended to January 6, 2021.

Evidence is, however, limited at this time and more research is needed in Canada and around the world. Given the high number of cases of a variant COVID-19 virus observed in some areas in the United Kingdom, the decision intitially made to suspend entry into Canada of all commercial and private passenger flights from the United Kingdom for 72 hours, has been extended to January 6, 2021.

Update: To prevent the new variant of COVID-19 from spreading in Canada, we’re extending the temporary suspension of passenger flights from the UK for another two weeks, until January 6th. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and do whatever it takes to keep you safe.— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 23, 2020

London newsagent *photo by Terry Lankstead*

Canada has had robust travel restrictions and border measures in place since March 2020, including mandatory quarantine measures, which require travellers to quarantine or isolate for 14 days immediately upon entry to Canada. Those measures remain in place.

Additionally, passengers who arrived in Canada today from the United Kingdom are now subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures, including increased scrutiny of quarantine plans. Passengers who arrived recently from the United Kingdom will also receive additional direction from the Government of Canada.

SOURCE Government of Canada

photography Terry Lankstead

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