A traveller arrives at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada, April 14, 2020. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced a tougher quarantine measure for those returning to Canada from abroad to prevent the COVID-19 spread. As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Canada Eastern Time, there were 26,897 COVID-19 cases and 898 deaths across the country, according to CTV. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
OTTAWA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced a tougher quarantine measure for those returning to Canada from abroad to prevent the COVID-19 spread.
The measure is to begin midnight Tuesday. Anyone who is asymptomatic and returning to Canada from abroad has to have a "credible quarantine plan" or they will be forced to spend 14 days in isolation in a quarantine location.
Trudeau told a press conference that it is a strengthening of current policy of the Quarantine Act, which came into effect on March 25 and made it mandatory for those arriving in Canada from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days.
Trudeau said the rule will give authorities the ability to evaluate the plan presented by the person coming into Canada and determine whether it is adequate or if they need to be placed in a location "like a hotel."
"We now have the authority to require travellers to self-isolate for two weeks at a quarantine location like a hotel," he said.
As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Canada Eastern Time, there were 26,897 COVID-19 cases and 898 deaths across the country, according to CTV.
