Of potential interest to Canadians in Taiwan: hereâs new a message from the CTOT:
Dear Fellow Canadians in Taiwan,
Since our last message of April 6th, 2020, the Taiwanese Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has reported several days with no new COVID-19 cases, and as a result, the CDC has started to relax some of its domestic virus control measures. Although these signs are encouraging, international travel and flight options still remain very restrictive.
This latest message is to remind all Canadians in Taiwan that commercial options for departures are still limited and may become increasingly scarce as many airlines suspend their operations. As a result, Canadians seeking to return home should consider the time to act upon such options for travel is now. This letter also seeks to help travellers understand the latest changes affecting Canadians and those traveling to Canada. Regular posts about flight options can be found on our social media page: https://www.facebook.com/CANADATPE/
While we recognise, some Canadians may decide to remain outside of Canada for an indeterminate period, we would like to continue to offer some important advice on what you should do while abroad.
Returning to Canada: Limited Commercial Options:
The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei is in contact with airlines, and continues to post about available flight options. At this time, limited commercial options remain available. Should you wish to return to Canada, we recommend that you contact a travel provider as soon as possible. If you already have flight bookings, you should check with your airline carrier to confirm your travel plans. If you decide to remain outside of Canada for an indeterminate period, review our important advice on what you should do while abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/covid-19-security
Transport Canadaâs new requirement:
Transport Canada (TC) has implemented measures requiring air operators to verify that all travellers have a removable cloth face covering available for use during their trip, even if the travellers are not showing any symptoms.
When travelling by air, Canadians will be asked to cover their mouth and nose where possible, and must do so when a two-meter distance between them and others cannot be observed. Travelers who do not have one available for their trip will be denied entry into the sterile area, or boarding on the aircraft.
It is the travellersâ responsibility to bring the required cloth face covering to the airport. They will not be provided with one if they do not have one. Canadian offices abroad are not in a position to provide face coverings.
For further information and guidance, you may visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/instructions-sew-no-sew-cloth-face covering.html
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program:
The COVID-19 Emergency Loan provides financial assistance to Canadians in financial difficulty attempting to return home. Effective immediately, in order to be eligible for a COVID-19 Emergency Loan, applicants must now demonstrate that they had existing plans to return to Canada that have been disrupted by COVID-19.
More information on the loan program is available at https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help
When you arrive in Canada:
Upon return to Canada, you must self-isolate (quarantine) for 14 days upon arrival even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms. For additional information regarding your obligations after returning to Canada, including specifics on provincial regulations please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
Please consult the Government of Canadaâs latest updates on COVID-19 for information regarding who may enter Canada at this time: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html
Please share this important information with other Canadian citizens in your area.
Sincerely,
Canadian Trade Office in Taipei