B.C. continues to call on feds to enforce quarantine orders for returning Canadians
Posted April 4, 2020 1:12 pm.
Last Updated April 4, 2020 1:13 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) -The province is losing its patience with the lack of federal support when it comes to informing and enforcing quarantine orders, as British Columbians continue to return home.
B.C.’s Health Minister, Adrian Dix, says opportunities to increase protections for local communities are being missed.
“We have to have a vastly greater capacity to use the quarantine act,” he told reporters during Friday’s news conference.
Dix said he wants the federal government to ensure instructions are clear to all Canadians returning to the country. He is also calling for the federal government to give B.C. access to all information on returning travellers so there can be follow up.
“The leadership of the health system, the leadership of Dr. [Bonnie] Henry, has to be supported by action when people come from other countries to ensure that quarantine orders, that self-isolation for 14 days which is a requirement of everyone, happens.”
Federal quarantine orders have been in place since last week, which is being enforced by police.
Dix is also asking families and communities to help by supporting travellers.
“We need individuals where necessary to support by dropping off food. So when people come to airports, they don’t go past and go to save on. They don’t go to Safeway. They don’t go to Costco. They go home, and then stay home.”
