Question Period Note: Border measures to mitigate the coronavirus

• Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is our top priority.
• Canada has enhanced screening and detection processes at all international airports as well as land border, ferry and rail ports of entry.
• We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and limit the spread of infectious disease. We continue evaluating the situation.

If pressed on United States travel ban:
• We are in regular communication with our United States counterparts to understand how Covid-19 affects the North American border.

If pressed on screening measures
• Enhanced border measures have been put in place to help identify any travellers returning to Canada who may be ill.
• Currently enhanced screening measures are in place for those travelling from Hubei, China, Iran and Italy.

If pressed on the security of Border Services Officers:
• Border officers stand ready, equipped with the tools they need to assist in this public health crisis.

On January 22, 2020, enhanced border measures were implemented at Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto international airports. As of February 9, these measures were implemented in all international airports in Canada.
• Signage is posted in CBSA arrival halls to raise traveller awareness and reminding international travellers to inform a border services officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• International travellers are being asked an additional health screening question to help identify travellers who may have visited the Hubei province in China.
• Travellers who have visited the Hubei province will be subject to additional screening to help prevent the possible spread of this infectious disease into Canada.
• Travellers experiencing flu-like symptoms will be referred to PHAC staff who will either be on-site or available by phone. All others will be provided a handout and will be allowed to continue with their planned travel.
• On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency due to weak health care systems of other countries. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is in close contact with the WHO to assess the situation and any potential risk to Canadians.
• On February 14, the CBSA provided updated occupational health and safety advice from Health Canada to its officers on the processing of mail from China, which includes the wearing of nitrile gloves and handwashing each time gloves are changed or discarded.
• On February 17, all travellers who indicate they have been in the province of Hubei are required to fill out a PHAC contact form to allow health authorities to monitor and track those who have been in the affected region. The form captures basic biographical data, flight data, and contact information for the passenger while in Canada. Once completed, PHAC determines when and how to share this information with provincial authorities.

At the direction of PHAC:
• on February 19, Border Services Officers began issuing a surgical mask kit to all travellers who report that they have been in the Province of Hubei;
• on March 4, 2020, the CBSA expanded enhanced screening measures at all international airports in Canada, adding Iran as part of the health screening question;
• as of March 6, 2020, the CBSA has expanded COVID-19 screening measures to travellers seeking entry into Canada by land, rail or ferry; and
• as of March 12, 2020, the CBSA has expanded enhanced screening measures to include Italy as part of the health screening questions.

Border Services Officers at Airports:
• CBSA port of entry management provide regular briefings to staff on the enhanced measures and procedures in place. In addition, they brief the CBSA officers on emerging issues as well as any upcoming potential situations.
• In addition to the regular briefings to staff provided by CBSA port of entry management, when available, and at locations where PHAC resources are on site, or in the vicinity, PHAC resources attend the shift briefings to support CBSA port of entry management, and ensure the CBSA officers have the most up to date information, understanding of trends, and have the opportunity to ask questions related to COVID-19, including how to protect themselves and potential risks.
• The Agency leverages the use of electronic kiosk to reduce the administrative burden on CBSA officers to allow them to focus on observing travellers as they are being processed. This allows the officer more time to focus on any visual signs or symptoms of an illness and potential deception. Passengers are asked if they are feeling ill or unwell, and are visually inspected for any signs of illness. If required, they are asked to fill in the PHAC COVID-19 form and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
• CBSA officers are designated screening officers under the Quarantine Act and are the first point of contact upon arrival at an airport. As screening officers, BSOs conduct a preliminary screening of a traveller based on criteria developed by PHAC, and based on the information available to them at the time a traveller seeks entry into Canada. Travellers who respond “yes” to the screening question are referred for further screening and questioning by the CBSA.
• If a traveller feels or looks sick or unwell, they are referred to PHAC for a more detailed assessment. If a traveller does not appear ill, or does not disclose symptoms of illness, they are provided a handout instructing them what to do if they feel ill over the next 14 days.
• The health and safety of its officers is of utmost importance to the CBSA. At this time, Health Canada has advised officers interacting with travellers to wear gloves when handling the documents and baggage of potentially ill persons and, to wear gloves, eye/face protection and a mask when escorting and remaining with an ill person. Staff continue to be briefed and trained in the proper use of personal protection equipment.

Enhanced Border Measures – Land, Rail And Ferry
• Travellers are asked if they are feeling ill or unwell; they are visually inspected for signs and symptoms of an illness; and asked if they have been in Iran or Italy in the 14 days prior to seeking entry into Canada. Ill or unwell travellers are to be referred to a PHAC Quarantine Officer. Travellers who have been to Iran or Italy in the 14 days prior to their attempted entry into Canada will be asked to fill out the PHAC COVID-19 Form, asked to self-isolate and to monitor their health. Travellers who are not feeling ill and have not been to Iran or Italy will be provided with a mask kit, required to fill out the PHAC Coronavirus Contact Tracing Form, and provided the Handout for Travellers from Targeted Areas.

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