Prime Minister announces new travel restrictions and advice on applying for new benefit

New travel restrictions will take effect Monday in Canada limiting domestic travel.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at his Saturday news conference, Transport Canada has formalized some domestic travel rules.

“As of Monday at noon, people showing any signs whatsoever of Covid-19 will be denied boarding on all domestic flights and inter-city passenger trains,” stated Trudeau.

Trudeau said the government is not ready to implement a ban on travel between the provinces.

Trudeau began his daily address advising people to continue to follow the rules, to stay home, to “flatten the curve” on new cases, which is showing signs of progress.

“It’s beginning to work. We see promising news out of B.C. that over the past couple weeks, the measures taken by Canadians, have had an impact on the overall numbers, but we need to keep it up. We need to continue to do what’s necessary to prevent the spread of Covid 19,” said Trudeau.

He said that includes social distancing and not going out unless you absolutely have to.

Trudeau said people can now apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

“Go on the Canada Revenue agency site and sign up in advance through the My Account links. Once you do that, in the coming days when we open applications, you will have a head start. And if you can, please opt for the Direct Deposit option which will let you get this money into your bank account sooner, and is simpler for everyone,” advised Trudeau.

The benefit will provide up to $2,000 a month for four months for workers or the self employed impacted by Covid.

The government announced Friday a wage subsidy increase to 75 per cent and loan programs to allow small businesses to retain staff, and recover from Covid.

As of Saturday at 8 a.m. PT, Canada had 4,757 Covid cases and 55 deaths.

B.C.had 792 cases as of Friday, with 70 of those in Interior Health.

Another B.C.update will be provided at noon Saturday.