TRAVEL DURING PANDEMIC: Safety and security outside Canada

By Earl Francis Dacara

As of date, the Government of Canada continues to advise all Canadians to avoid all non-essential travels outside the country. Canada is working with airlines and foreign governments to facilitate access to commercial flights for Canadians who wish to return home.
Although the government is doing everything to support Canadians overseas, the government recognizes that many individuals may need to remain out of Canada for an indeterminate period.



If you must travel or are already outside Canada:
§  Find out what commercial options, if any, remain available and return to Canada as soon as possible.
§  Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Make sure your contact information is complete and up to date. This will allow consular officials to contact you, provide updates and confirm your situation.
§  Regularly check your destination’s Travel Advice and Advisories.
§  Monitor local media to stay informed of the situation.
§  Follow the advice of local authorities, including public health advice and lockdown or shelter-in-place guidance.
§  Keep important documents in a safe, but easy to access, place.
§  Make sure you have enough money, medication, food and water in case you need to extend your stay or are unable to leave your home or accommodations due to movement restrictions.
§  Make sure you have a local SIM card and charger for your mobile phone.
§  Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months. If you need to renew it, call the closest Government of Canada office serving your location. If the office is closed, your call will be transferred to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The centre operates 24/7 and may be reached directly at +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available) or sos@international.gc.ca.
§  Check with your travel insurance provider to know more about your policy as it relates to COVID-19. Find out if you are covered for medical treatment if you become infected with COVID-19 and for extended stays outside Canada. Find out more about travel insurance.
§  Contact your family and friends as soon as you can, even if you have not been affected, and continue to update them on your situation until you return to Canada.




Your health and travel during the pandemic

Before you travel
§  Read the pandemic COVID-19 travel health notice and know the health risks for your destination
§  Check the Health tab for your destination in the Travel Advice and Advisories
§  Consult the Government of Canada's Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice and follow the recommended health precautions
§  Check the World Health Organization’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for the public

During your travel
§  avoid large crowds or crowded areas
§  avoid contact with sick people, especially if they have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing
§  be aware of the local situation an follow local public health advice
§  wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds
§  use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Always keep some with you when you travel
§  practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette
§  take precautions against respiratory illnesses and seek medical attention if you become sick

If you are abroad and you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been diagnosed with COVID-19:
§  Follow the advice and instructions of local public health authorities.
§  Seek medical attention if required.
§  Contact the closest Government of Canada office if you require assistance.
§  Check the list of COVID-19 symptoms for more information.

Your mental health

If you are not able to return to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel stressed, overwhelmed and anxious. You may be uncomfortable or distressed because you are in an unfamiliar environment away from home. You may have concerns about risks associated with the pandemic or about the challenges of managing day to day while under lockdown in a foreign country.

If you need psychological support while abroad, contact the local emergency services and go to the nearest hospital. The nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre can help you find them.

Risks to your mental health abroad

Be aware of the mental health risks arising from the current situation. Many factors can affect your mental well-being, including:
§  disrupted routines
§  isolation or lack of social support
§  unfamiliar surroundings
§  use of drugs and alcohol
§  decrease in physical activity




Recognize the symptoms

It is important to pay attention to changes in your mental health. For more information see Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you believe your mental health is deteriorating, seek help and advice as soon as possible. Canada’s newly created Wellness Together Canada: Mental health and substance use support portal may help connect you with options for online support.

Keep in touch

Stay in contact with your family and friends in Canada through emails, letters, phone calls, video chats or social media. Tell them about your experiences and keep them up to date on your whereabouts and any changes to your travel plans.

Find out about local mental health services and how to find local medical facilities. The health care system and the attitude toward mental health in other countries can be very different than those in Canada.


If you have a mental health condition
§  Contact your health care provider in Canada to discuss how to manage your condition while you are abroad
§  Discuss your treatment plan, and any changes to your treatment plan, with your health care provider
§  Be aware that some medication that is easy to find in Canada may not be available everywhere and that there may be issues with supply in some locations. If you are unable to refill your prescription where you are, contact your health care provider to discuss your options.
§  Ask your health care provider to send you a note detailing your condition and any medication that you are taking: the note may be useful if you need to consult a health care provider or refill your prescription while you are abroad
§  Take steps to maintain positive mental health to the best of your ability (see above).

If you need help

The nearest Government of Canada office abroad or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, can:
§  give you contact information for medical services in the area
§  help you find professionals who can help you in case of a medical emergency
§  help you communicate with your relatives and friends

Help for Canadians outside Canada

In case of emergency, call the closest Government of Canada office serving your location. If the office is closed, your call will be transferred to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The centre operates 24/7 and may be reached directly at +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available) or sos@international.gc.ca.

Canadians outside the country who are directly impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for the Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad to facilitate their return to Canada and cover basic, essential needs while they work toward their return. Each application will be assessed according to the individual’s specific situation and needs.

Returning to Canada

If you plan on returning to Canada, make sure to check the travel requirements from federal and provincial public health authorities. Such requirements include, but are not limited to, quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days in a place where you will have no contact with vulnerable people, and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling to the place where you will quarantine (self-isolate).

There are also specific requirements for anyone who returns to Canada by plane. You will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering during the boarding process, otherwise you will not be allowed to continue on your journey. You must wear a non-medical mask or face covering during travel.

Check Travel and COVID-19: Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice for complete information on all requirements for returning travellers.

If you need any legal or immigration assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.

Source: Canada.ca





  
Disclaimer: The above is NOT intended as legal practice/advice from the writer. Readers are enjoined to seek advice from a legal professional.

The writer is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and CEO of Northern Quest Canadian Immigration Services Inc. with offices at Suite 203, 169 Dundas St. East, Executive Offices, Suite 203 Mississauga, ON L5A 1W6. He is also an associate Paralegal from Y.S.N. & Associates Professional Corporation with offices at 1018 Finch Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M3J 3L5 with contact # Direct: 647-302.3508, Tel. 905-232.4553, Fax 905-232.4551, email: dacaralegal@hotmail.com / earldacara@gmail.com


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