Travellers coming through customs at Saskatoon airport getting extra screening

If you have travelled outside of Canada in the past few weeks, you’ve likely noticed something a bit different at the Saskatoon airport upon your return.

CJ Dushinski, the vice-president of business development and service quality with the airport, says the Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA) is now asking all travellers coming through customs if they have been to China in the past two weeks.

“These additional screening measures have been implemented at, I think, the majority of  Canadian airports as an additional measure to ensure that people are thinking of it when they’re entering the country to ensure that we are trying to screen for potential implications of the spread,” said Dushinski.

Dushinski added that if someone says they have been to China recently, local and provincial health agencies would be notified. The person who has self-identified would then be asked to follow up with their doctor and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“We’re still deeming the risk here at the airport as low because we don’t have any direct or non-stop flights to the affected areas or the greatest affected areas,” said Dushinski.

Dushinski added there haven’t been any delays for travellers due to the additional screening.