Another Day, Another Rule

An additional layer in Canada’s protective actions against COVID-19. This from our esteemed Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland.

New quarantine rules for travellers returning to Canada. Thankfully we returned prior to these new rules but we have friends that decided to stay south longer and they might be in for a bit of a surprise when they make their border crossing.

What has changed since the government threatened million dollar fines, imprisonment and the Canadian mounted police if you did not comply with their mandatory 14-day quarantine upon your return to the country? From the Globe and Mail’s latest updates on the Coronavirus:

Starting today all people returning to Canada will have to check in to a hotel or other designated site unless they have an acceptable self-quarantine plan.

The government says returnees — whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not — must have an appropriate isolation plan that includes access to food and medicine.

They will also be forbidden to live with vulnerable people, such as anyone older than 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.

If a returnee lacks a credible plan, they will need to quarantine in a location, such as a hotel, designated by Canada’s chief public health officer.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the measure means returning Canadians will need to plan ahead of time.

She describes it as “an additional layer” in Canada’s protective actions against COVID-19.

An interesting choice of words right there: an acceptable self-quarantine plan. For people who full-time that should prove to be a fascinating discussion with the Canada Border Services Agency officials.

If you are a Canadian snowbird, you could easily find yourself in a wee bit of trouble in terms of finding a place to stay. Like this 60-year old fellow returning from Florida:

A Canadian snowbird who drove from Florida to Prince Edward Island says he now finds himself living in his car after being turned away by officials at the Confederation Bridge because of COVID-19 restrictions.

If he had only waited for the rules to change. Had he crossed the border yesterday the government of Canada would have checked him into a hotel, presumably at his own expense mind you, for failure to provide an acceptable self-quarantine plan. Better than living in his car.

This comment, from one of the seemingly endless articles on the Coronavirus in the Globe and Mail, makes a few interesting points:

They had no idea what to do and they took their cues from the “experts” who also didn’t know what to do. Remember, this started as a don’t worry, do nothing virus that would not hit Canada at all.

Then it became a don’t worry it’s not bad and it won’t be anything out of the ordinary.

Then it became maybe you should stay home for March break.

Then it became come home immediately.

Then it became we are closing businesses and stay home.

Then it became we are closing more businesses and really stay home.

Then it became only one person go shopping and really, really stay home or we’ll fine you.

Now we know what we always knew which is that it is the elderly who are the primary victims and others with weakened immune systems. But the narrative has been set and the politicians have to be seen to saving everyone even though many more will die because of the effect of the virus on mental health, suicide and those unable to go to the hospital for a regularly scheduled treatment. It has been an unmitigated disaster all around from preparedness to the hysterical messaging.

How long will the madness continue?

Pass the popcorn as discussions begin on how to reopen the economy. Those discussions will no doubt provide a potentially endless supply of new government rules and restrictions.

We are dutifully following the government’s rules and guidelines and we are doing our part to flatten the curve. What else can we do?