Double standard for Wuhan travellers, evacuees

As Canadians were being repatriated from Wuhan, China, in early February and placed in quarantine, federal officials were still working out rules for air passengers entering on commercial flights.

The first flight bringing stranded Canadians back home landed Feb. 7 at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.

Days earlier, on Feb. 4, a special advisory committee on coronavirus recommended that air passengers from Hubei province — where the virus’ epicentre of Wuhan is located — be asked to self-isolate upon arrival in Canada.

In a memo to Health Minister Patty Hajdu from early February, officials noted that Hubei was then home to 67% of all cases and deaths.

Still, there was a completely different standard for those rescued by the government and those arriving on their own, something the memo noted could be a problem.

“There is a need to maintain public trust in Canada’s response to the coronavirus. Currently, there are perceived differences between advice to travellers from Hubei province on commercial flights and planned measures for repatriation from Wuhan, China,” the memo said.

The memo, sent by chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam, said that Canadians rescued from Wuhan were at a greater risk of spreading the disease given the concentration in the city. At the time, about 70 travellers a day were arriving in Canada from Hubei province, mostly at Pearson airport, and being asked to voluntarily stay at home for 14 days.

“Canadians may question a voluntary approach since there is no ability to enforce or ensure compliance. However, there is anecdotal evidence that individuals who have returned are already self-isolating,” Tam’s memo said.

Doctors are normally quick to point out anecdotes are not proof, yet Tam used anecdotal evidence in this case to back up a public policy suggestion.

Part of the rationale was a lack of enforcement capability if passengers were told to quarantine at home. The memo said resources were not available and if extended to all passengers from China — then some 20,000 per week — it would be unsustainable.