Canada says it is banning all passenger flights from India and Pakistan for one month as the number of COVID-19 cases surge in both countries.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Thursday afternoon that the changes will take effect at 11:30 p.m. eastern time and last for 30 days.
The rules apply to Canadian citizens and foreign nationals.
"Cargo flights will be allowed to ensure the continued supply of vaccines, personal protective equipment and other essential goods. This is a temporary measure while we assess the evolving situation and determine appropriate measures going forward," said Alghabra
The Public Health Agency of Canada says it has been monitoring case data and has detected a high number of cases among people travelling on flights originating from India and Pakistan.
According to data from Health Canada, over 100 flights landing in Canada over the past two weeks have carried at least one positive case of COVID-19. Thirty-two of the cases were from India and Pakistan.
In order to discourage people from getting around the ban, Canada will require passengers transiting through a third nation to go through customs in that country and remain there until they receive a negative COVID-19 test.
Upon arriving in Canada, all travellers will still be required to quarantine for 14 days, with some exceptions for essential workers.
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