08/06/2020
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AIRPORT
Public Health officials are still advising against non-essential travel, but if you are planning to fly anytime soon, make sure you are prepared for some significant changes at airport security and in the pre-boarding process.
First and foremost, if you have any flu-like symptoms you must stay home. Airlines are required to ask passengers if they have a fever and cough or difficulty breathing. They will also ask if you've been prohibited from flying in the past two weeks due to a medical reason related to COVID-19 -- or if you are currently under a quarantine order. Giving misleading answers can have serious and expensive consequences.
Next - everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering -- with exceptions for people with valid medical reasons. Put it on as soon as you enter the airport -- and keep it on. You'll be required to wear one on your flight.
Wearing a face covering does not replace the need to practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
Physical distancing is required at all times throughout the screening process. Be sure to allow at least two metres between yourself and other passengers -- who are not part of your family or your bubble.
At major airports, additional hand sanitizing units have been placed by the checkpoints to be used by staff and the public. You can also carry one personal bottle of hand sanitizer up to 355 millilitres -- that is in addition to the 100 millilitre bottles that fit into your 1 litre clear, resealable bag.
How you interact with screening officers will be a bit different. They will ask you to hold on to your own paper or electronic boarding pass -- and nexus card if you have one - while it's scanned.
At bag search stations there is an additional table between the search officer and passenger to offer extra distance. Screeners will also be wearing masks and gloves when they have to come in close contact.
While it's not always feasible to completely avoid contact during screening, these interactions tend to be brief, which public-health experts say is a significant factor in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. So, follow the rules: wear a mask, maintain your distance from others and regularly wash your hands throughout your journey. These measures will be in place for the foreseeable future, so be patient and do your part - and it will hopefully make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.