Page - 305 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

305The Right of Citizens Abroad to Return During a Pandemic carriers from allowing foreign nationals from boarding an aircraft bound for Canada. Citizens and permanent residents were excluded to entry. Exemptions were also provided for their immediate family members and a number of other categories, including persons with refugee status in Canada. On March 24, more stringent quarantine measures were adopted. Persons who had no other options than public transport (bus, train) to get to their residence to self-isolate would be directed instead to quarantine facilities, as were those who could not self-isolate without being in contact with vulnerable per- sons (for instance, a returning passenger who shares a residence with an elderly person) or without having access to basic necessities (such as food).21 Canada’s first series of measures were similar to those taken by other states, such as Australia and New Zealand, whose immigration regimes are often compared to Canada’s regime given that all three are countries of immigration and have comparable legal traditions. In Australia, borders were closed to international travellers on March 19, 2020, with the exception of citizens and permanent residents from Australia as well members of their families. By reciprocal arrangement with New Zealand, it also allowed for the entry of citizens from New Zealand habitually residing in Australia. There were other exceptions that could be considered by the Australian Border Force, for instance, for compassionate reasons or for COVID-19-related medical services.22 All travellers arriving in Australia had to isolate for 14 days at a des- ignated facility at their point of entry.23 The same day, New Zealand adopted similar measures with slight differences in terms of excep- tions to the bar to entry.24 Since April 9, all returning passengers are required to isolate for 14 days in managed facilities. Those identified Transport Canada <www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/interim-order-prevent-certain- persons-boarding-flights-canada-covid-19-no-9.html>. See also: Aeronautics Act, RSC, 1985, c A-2. 21. PC number 2020-0175 (24 March 2020). See Government of Canada, supra at note 19. 22. “Coming to Australia | Covid-19 and the Border” (last visited 24 April 2020), online: Australian  Government  Department  of  Home  Affairs <covid19.homeaffairs. gov.au/coming-australia>. 23. “COVID-19 Information” (last visited 12 May 2020), online: US  Embassy  &  Consulates in Australia <au.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information>. 24. “Border Closures and Exceptions” (last visited 13 May 2020), online: Immigration  New Zealand <www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and- exceptions>.