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B.C. Is Stepping Back From COVID-19 Screenings At The Border

U.S and Canada border closes amidst pandemic

B.C. is taking a step back from its role of screening travellers at the border, officials announced Friday.

B.C. has been leading the effort, since April, to ensure all travellers quarantine for two weeks after crossing the province’s border. Now, that role will return to federal officials.

RELATED: Trudeau Makes It Clear Canada Won’t Open Borders Anytime Soon

However, Service BC will continue performing compliance and wellness checks on recent arrivals, during their 14-day self-isolation periods.

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“The evolution of federally led border measures has allowed the B.C. public service to step back from border screenings and redeploy our resources to best limit the spread of COVID-19 in British Columbia,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike in a release

Since provincial screenings began, B.C. has housed 142 people for the two-week quarantine period or until their self-isolation plan was considered adequate.

This comes after reports showed a loophole to the border closure, where U.S. travellers have been saying they’re on their way to Alaska.

Amid the travel ban, thousands of Americans have been turned away at the border.

For more Vancouver stories, head to our News section.

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