Mounties checking in on Canadians who returned home from abroad to ensure they are in quarantine

Men and women who returned home from abroad are getting a visit from their friendly neighbourhood Mounties, once they settle down.

The Federal Government put in place an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act, requiring all travellers arriving in Canada from land, sea or air to complete a mandatory quarantine and to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for a 14-day period. 

When travellers arrive in Canada, an initial assessment will be conducted by Canada Border Services Agency. Then, at the behest of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the RCMP will physically check on specific persons who are subject to these isolation orders to ensure they are complying with the requirements, regardless of where they live.

“If you are a returned traveller to British Columbia under quarantine, expect to be contacted by phone and in-person by a police officer to confirm you understand and are following the directions,” Sgt. Nigel Pronger of the Integrated Quarantine Act Response and Support Team said in a press release. “We all have to do our part to ensure our communities stay safe and healthy.”

Someone from the team will first contact the person by phone ensuring compliance with the order. They will then visit the individual while maintaining a safe social distance, which may consist of an officer asking the person to come out to their balcony if they live in an apartment, or step onto their porch, as the officer stands across the street.

"There is no need to go inside a building or home," according to the release.

“People are in good spirits when we check in on them,” Pronger said. “They are making a sacrifice to self-isolate, so they appreciate that we acknowledge their hardship. They are glad people are being held accountable and making sure everyone is honest.”

B.C. RCMP and separate police forces in the Lower Mainland, formed the Integrated Quarantine Act Response and Support Team in early April. If the returning travellers live outside of the Lower Mainland, the names are forwarded to the local RCMP detachment or local police service for them to check on them.
 

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