The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is warning airline passengers they may have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) on multiple recent Vancouver flights.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, Vancouver Is Awesome shared 14 new B.C. flights that were added to the list of potential COVID-19 public exposures.
Since then, the following six new flights have been added to the BCCDC's list of affected flights:
- Jan. 5: Air Canada 551, Los Angeles to Vancouver (Rows 20 - 26)
- Jan. 14: West Jet 3170, Kelowna to Vancouver (Rows 2.- 8)
- Jan. 18: Air Canada 254, Kelowna to Vancouver (Rows 19 - 25)
- Jan. 18: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 681, Amsterdam to Vancouver (Rows 36 - 40)
- Jan. 19: Air Canada 248, Vancouver to Edmonton (Rows 18 - 24)
- Jan. 20: AeroMexico 696, Mexico City to Vancouver (Rows not reported)
Any travellers returning to B.C. are encouraged to check the public health agency's website for updates about flights identified for the risk of exposure. Those travelling from outside of Canada, meanwhile, must arrive prepared with a 14-day self-isolation plan.
Things to consider as a Canadian booking travel in 2021
If you're wondering when it will be safe to travel again, you are far from alone.
When it is safe to travel again, there will be several changes to consider. If you've had to fly anywhere recently, you're probably already aware of some of them.
Earlier this month, Transport Minister Marc Garneau issued an Interim Order formalizing the new COVID-19 testing requirements for all air travellers coming into Canada.
Now, everyone flying into Canada will need to have proof of a negative laboratory test result for COVID-19 submitted to the airline prior to boarding their flight.
That said, not all testing facilities are created equal, and you could be denied boarding if you carry a questionable document.
And you could also be fined up to $5,000.
So, before you depart on your next flight, consider the risks involved, and determine if you'll be able to acquire a credible document.
Now is also probably not the best time to escape to a tropical destination, no matter how tempting a holiday might feel.
While there currently isn't a law against travel outside of Canada during the pandemic, the federal government says you should avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
