Air travelers to Canada will quarantine in a hotel starting on Feb. 22 as they await the result of a coronavirus test, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.
Trudeau previously announced stricter restrictions would be imposed on air travelers in response to new, likely more contagious variants and said hotel stays would be at the travelers' own expense.
Officials were expected to release more details later about the measures, which could especially affect Canadian “snowbirds” who winter abroad and return home in the spring.
Trudeau said it could take up to three days for test results to be available. Travelers would then isolate at home or elsewhere if the test is negative. Canada already requires those entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days and bans nonessential travel to the country.
Trudeau said he spoke to the chief executive of vaccine-maker Pfizer and said he confirmed Canada will get 4 million doses from that company before the end of March, as well as 10.8 million doses in April, May and June — more than previously announced.
Trudeau also said Canada is buying another 4 million Moderna vaccines and is looking at the possibility of getting vaccines from India.