Westjet 737-800 in air -- Credit to Westjet

By Connor Gunn/Lethbridge News Now

Canada releases Canada’s Flight Plan for safe air travel

Aug 14, 2020 | 1:33 PM

OTTAWA – The Canadian Government still recommends avoiding non-essential international travel, however, implementing measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel is still their top priority.

Certain jurisdictions within Canada are beginning to open up and lift restrictions including those on travel.

Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, announced Canada’s Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19 (Canada’s Flight Plan).

“Canada is a large country and safe and secure air travel is critical for Canadians to connect with loved ones and for those who rely on it to support their businesses. Implementing Canada’s Flight Plan reinforces our ongoing commitment to protect public health and minimize the COVID-19 risks associated with air travel.”

“This comprehensive plan aligns the actions of government and industry partners to the best practices emerging around the world to protect passengers and air industry workers from COVID-19.”

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The new health steps include:

• travel restrictions
• mandatory use of face masks for passengers and crew
• mandatory health checks by air carriers prior to passenger boarding
• temperature screening at the busiest Canadian airports and at points of origin for all incoming flights to Canada
• restricted services and passenger movement during flights
• enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols and practices

These measures prioritize the safety and security of travellers and industry employees and have positioned Canada as an international leader in reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 while travelling by air.

The Government of Canada says their Flight Plan will be refined as they learn more about COVID-19.