Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is increasing its screening measures as it becomes one of only four Canadian airports to accept international travellers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary international airports will be the only Canadian airports that will accept international flights as of Wednesday, part of the federal government’s response to COVID-19 announced earlier this week.
All incoming travellers will face increased screening measures from Canada Border Service Agency officers, and there will also be more officers present at points of entry who will approach people showing any signs of illness, said the airport’s CEO Craig Richmond Tuesday.
Masks will also be given to travellers showing any concerning signs, said Richmond.
YVR CEO Craig Richmond gives an update on actions the airport is taking to protect the community against #COVID19https://t.co/PU0qHosWwg
— Vancouver International Airport (@yvrairport) March 17, 2020
The decision to limit international flights to specific airports comes as Canada closes its borders to foreign nationals. Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are allowed entry, with exceptions for their family members, diplomats, airline crews and US citizens.
There will also be increased signage at YVR, said Richmond, as well as prompts at customs and NEXUS kiosks that ask travellers if they are experiencing any symptoms.
“Everybody’s getting blanketed with information, as much signage as they can take getting off a long flight,” said Richmond.
International travellers will also need to acknowledge that they need to self-isolate for 14 days. In addition, all travellers will need to fill out a Public Health Agency of Canada form on the coronavirus, said Richmond.
The airport has stepped up cleaning and sanitizing measures and has temporarily suspended a range of customer programs, including the green coat volunteer program.
Airlines are also now required to screen passengers for any symptoms of the coronavirus, and deny boarding to anyone, including Canadians, who shows signs of the illness.
Richmond acknowledged that there was “discord” over the past few days between B.C. and federal health officials’ messaging regarding COVID-19, leading to criticism regarding screening measures at airports.
Previously, travellers arriving in Canada were asked if they had recently visited China’s Hubei province, Iran or Italy, but not whether they had been to other countries affected by the coronavirus.
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