Government Urges Canadians Against International Travel for Next 4 Weeks

Government Urges Canadians Against International Travel for Next 4 Weeks

The Federal government has urged Canadians to refrain from all non-essential travel overseas for the next four weeks as the Omicron variant wreaks havoc across the globe. 

“To those who were planning to travel, I say very clearly, now is not the time to travel. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant on a global scale makes us fear the worst,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said.

The government acknowledges that issuing such advice so close to Christmas is a radical action, but the situation is moving so quickly that Canadians may find themselves stranded in countries imposing restrictions to fly in and out.

“The situation abroad is already dire in many places and it’s going to get worse very quickly, so we’re afraid for what could happen to them if they leave Canada,” Duclos said.

Unfortunately, data back up the minister’s claims.

toronto international airport

Last week, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health warned that more restrictions must be imposed or the country could see up to 300,000 people infected with COVID-19 every day in the coming weeks.

Britain’s wave of Omicron cases could reach 1 million in the following two weeks, as the infection pace appeared to have accelerated, causing a surge of disease that could place “significant” strain on the country’s health system.

“We see the situation abroad, and we’re afraid and concerned with what could happen to Canadians who would choose to go abroad in the next few weeks,” said Duclos.

Canadian flag on backpack

He stressed the need to find strategies to adapt to this upcoming wave and protect healthcare and front-line workers as community transmission of the variant is already present in Canada.

By “finding strategies” The minister seemed to be implying that Canadians should expect tighter restrictions for the upcoming days. 

“We are constantly reassessing so when we feel we need to change our policies, we will announce it as quickly as possible, but for now, we are monitoring it and assessing it,” said Transport Minister at a news conference.