Canada Allows Close Family Members To Re-Enter Canada

9th March 2020 – From today immediate family members that are currently separated and on the US side of the US/Canadian border will be allowed to enter Canada, with some conditions.family

There are many families that have been split apart by the closure of the border to all but essential traffic since late March. This move is designed to re-unite loved ones without causing undue risk.

The caveats are:

  • Persons crossing to Canada must remain quarantined in Canada for 14 days before returning to the US.
  • Immediate family members are limited to spouses, common-law partners, children, parents or step-parents or guardians and strangely ‘tutors.’ Brothers and sisters, for example, are not included under the current ruling.
  • Anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms will not be permitted to cross the border.

It’s unclear how those wishing to cross and re-unite with family are expected to prove their relationship with those they wish to join in Canada.

It should be noted that anyone breaking the quarantine conditions could face prison and a $750,000 fine.

This limited re-opening to certain persons most likely suggest that a full re-opening of the border on June 21st, when the current going US/Canadian agreement to close the border expires is extremely unlikely and that introducing such gradual schemes and crossing eligibility are likely to be the norm over the coming weeks and months.