The Government of Canada warns passengers that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 on several Vancouver flights.
Over the weekend, the BCCDC listed four new flights that have recently passed through Vancouver International Airport and carried at least one individual who has since tested positive for COVID-19.
The following flights have been added to the list of affected flights:
- July 13: Air Canada AC311 from Montreal to Vancouver
- July 14: Air Canada AC561 from San Fransisco to Vancouver
- July 15: Aeromexico AM696 from Mexico City to Vancouver (Rows 23 - 29)
- July 17: Aeromexico AM696 from Mexico City to Vancouver
- July 20: Air Canada AC305 from Vancouver to Montreal
- July 22: Aeromexico AM696 from Mexico City to Vancouver (Rows 19 - 25)
The B.C. CDC says they list information regarding potential public exposure as they "become aware of flights with an origin or destination in British Columbia with a case of COVID-19 on board."
Any travellers returning to B.C. are encouraged to check the B.C. CDC website for updates about flights with an exposure risk, and those travelling from outside of Canada must arrive prepared with a 14-day self-isolation plan.
The country's two largest airlines ended their on-board seat distancing policies on July 1, raising health concerns amid a pandemic that has devastated the travel industry.
On social media, a few people ask why airlines are permitted to ignore physical distancing protocol while other businesses must adhere to them; others simply say they won't travel with airlines that don't have distancing policies in place.
Currently, the Government of Canada states that you should avoid all travel outside of the country until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a global travel advisory, the government notes that, "This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel."
With files from The Canadian Press and Lindsay William-Ross.
