In the midst of the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic and an increase of cases in Ontario, Air Canada is dropping one of its daily flights between the Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto.
While the airline currently operates two daily flights on the Sault to Toronto route (departing at 11:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m.), starting Tuesday, only the 11:45 a.m. flight to Toronto will depart, the Sault Airport said in an e-mail to stakeholders today.
Flights from Toronto to the Sault will run daily at 8:10 a.m.
Bearskin Airlines is still operating up to four daily flights from the Sault Monday to Friday and two flights on Sundays to Sudbury and/or Thunder Bay.
Porter plans to resume service on Dec. 15.
Sunwing resumed flights to southern destinations on Thursday from Toronto, but no packages are available from the Sault until February.
Planning on going on vacation, or flying in a friend or family member from abroad to visit? Keep in mind new rules for entry to Canada.
As of this past Monday, all travellers are required to provide specific information upon and after entry into Canada. This includes requirements to provide a quarantine plan and contact and travel info.
Starting Nov. 21, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan (unless exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order), and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.
Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travellers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation and those in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.
Travellers who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine.
Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.
Travellers who do not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement.
Additionally, Transport Canada has updated their requirements for face coverings in airports.
Acceptable masks must cover the nose and mouth. Face coverings with exhalation valves/vents, bandanas, neck gaiters and face shields are not permitted, according to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation.
While the Canadian government has implemented travel restrictions on land crossings for leisure travel, passengers can still enter and leave the country by air.
However, the federal government is still advising that non-essential travel outside Canada be avoided due to COVID-19.
