Some people coming into Canada not following quarantine rules, says Ontario’s top doctor

The province on Thursday reported another 132 coronavirus cases, bringing Ontario’s total number of infections to 42,686. (File photo: @katetrifo/Unsplash)

Despite reminders from officials, the chief medical officer of health of Ontario said that there are some individuals coming into Canada who are breaking quarantine rules.

“It has come to our attention that some people coming in have not maintained and follow the federal quarantine law,” Dr. David Williams said, adding that they “are out in public settings.”

Williams said this when he was asked in a press conference if they are starting to get “increasingly concerned” about the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Ontario.

The province on Thursday reported another 132 coronavirus cases, bringing Ontario’s total number of infections to 42,686. Health Minister Christine Elliott said in a tweet that Peel Region recorded 45 new cases, Toronto with 31, and Ottawa with 22. Every other public health unit, she said, recorded five or fewer cases, while 18 units have no new cases.

Ontario is reporting 132 cases of #COVID19 as the province processed over 26,000 tests. Peel is reporting 45 new cases, with 31 in Toronto and 22 in Ottawa. Every other public health unit is reporting five or fewer cases, with 18 units reporting no new cases.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) September 3, 2020

Responding to the question, Williams said it is “very concerning” to him and to the team in Ontario.

“We’re going to do some assessing of what is the adherence to the measures and how do we encourage people to stay the task,” he said.

The government of Canada is requiring people who are entering Canada to quarantine for 14 days, even if they have or have not shown symptoms.

Travelling back to Canada?

😷 Wear a face covering while in transit to your place of isolation

📲 Download the ArriveCAN app and submit your info within 48hrs before arrival

🏡 Quarantine for 14 days#COVID19

More info: https://t.co/WRflEAuBmO pic.twitter.com/D5LC2LnrGt

— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) August 14, 2020

Non-compliance with the quarantine rules could lead up to six months in prison or a $750,000 fine.