Canada temporarily stops flights from U.K. following new coronavirus variant

Canada has stopped all incoming flights from the United Kingdom to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus strain. The ban started this morning at 12:01 a.m. and will last 72 hours.

“Our Government is committed to keeping Canadians and the transportation system safe and secure,” said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau in a statement from Health Canada. “The notice we issued today, temporarily prohibiting flights to Canada from the United Kingdom, will reduce the public health risks to Canadians.”

While no cases linked to this new strain have been identified in Canada, the government continues to work to find if this variant is present or has been previously observed in Canada.

“Our government will continue to do what’s necessary to protect the health of Canadians,” said Minister of Health Patty Hajdu. “These additional measures will allow public health officials time to gather further evidence and help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Passengers who arrived in Canada yesterday from the U.K. have been subjected to a secondary screening and enhanced measures. Those who arrived recently will also receive additional direction from the Government of Canada.

Early data suggests that this new variant of coronavirus may be more transmissible, but as of right now there is no evidence that the mutations have any impact on symptom severity, antibody response or vaccine efficacy.