Over 100 passengers arriving at Vancouver International Airport have refused to go to a government-authorized accommodation (GAA) upon arrival to the country.
As of April 7, 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is aware of 106 tickets that have been issued to travellers for arriving in British Columbia without having booked a GAA hotel and subsequently refusing to go to one, explains spokesperson Tammy Jarbeau to Vancouver Is Awesome in a statement.
The fine for refusing to go to a GAA hotel?
A whopping $3,000.
Individuals who contravene the mandatory isolation or mandatory quarantine requirements, including the instructions of a Quarantine Officer, may also be subject to a range of enforcement measures under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
Additionally, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while willfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations, including submitting false information related to an individual’s quarantine plan, could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
In addition, travellers can also receive fines under the Contraventions Regulations. The Regulations provide police - including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and local police - and other enforcement officers additional tools to enforce the Quarantine Act. Under the Regulations, any traveller who refuses to comply with the Quarantine Act could face a fine of up to $3,000 (this is the most common fine) for each day of non-compliance or for each offence committed. All fines issued under the Regulations are also subject to applicable surcharge fees that are determined by the province.
Coronavirus: What to expect if you arrive in Canada via plane
Travellers entering Canada by air need to book a hotel for a three-night stay upon arrival. They also need to provide a negative result for a COVID-19 molecular test taken within a 72-hour timeframe of their scheduled flight.
All hotels are located near one of the four Canadian airports currently accepting international flights. These accommodations are privately owned and authorized by the Government of Canada.
Some of the hotels offer direct online booking for government-authorized accommodation. For all others, identify that you require accommodation for the COVID-19 mandatory three-night stopover to ensure you are booked correctly.
While in quarantine travellers will have three meals delivered to their rooms but hotel personnel are not permitted inside. Guests will be provided with cleaning supplies.
Find out more information about what to expect during your stay at a government-authorized hotel.
