Some Pearson arrivals fined after shrugging off quarantine

Several international travellers arriving at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport have refused to comply with a new rule requiring a three-day hotel quarantine, local police said Wednesday.

Peel Region police said that while most cases were resolved after conversations with officers, some people refused to follow the rules that took effect this week and were fined $880 under Ontario regulations.

Police said they will not detain anyone for breaking the hotel quarantine rule unless there are aggravating circumstances, such as a criminal offence. They said the Public Health Agency of Canada would be responsible for any further potential fines for travellers under the Quarantine Act.

The Quarantine Act states that anyone arriving in Canada must stay in an isolation hotel for three nights. They may only leave after a negative COVID-19 test, but are expected to selfisolate for a total of 14 days.

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel Region’s medical officer of health, said Wednesday the quarantine measures are in place to protect the public. “It’s unfortunate … that this might be occurring,” he said. “Please remember that it’s a disease that spreads from person to person and it takes all of us to do our part.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said people who choose to ignore the regulations are being selfish. “By not being mindful that you can bring dangerous variants into the country, you’re being selfish to your neighbours, to your city.”

Asked for comment, the Public Health Agency of Canada said that it’s looking into the matter.

“Travellers are legally obligated to follow the instructions of a Screening Officer or Quarantine Officer through the 14-day period, whether in regards to testing, transit to locations, their mandatory hotel stopover or during quarantine at home or other suitable location,” said a statement from PHAC spokesperson André Gagnon.

Staying in a government-approved isolation hotel costs up to $2,000 for the three-night stay.