A new study at Pearson International Airport in Toronto is examining detention periods to determine whether passengers need 14 days alone to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
From Thursday, passengers departing from international flights at Canada’s largest airport will be invited to participate in voluntary research conducted by McMaster Health Labs (MHL), a non-profit organization consisting of scientists and physicians from the McMaster University of Hamilton, Research Institute of St. Joseph’s Hamilton and other Canadian schools.
“When was the blockade put in place [COVID-19] It was a mysterious disease and seemed to be the safest way to save people for 14 days, “said Dr. Marek Smija, medical microbiologist and McMaster professor, who co-authored the study.
MHL has partnered with Air Canada and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority to create this study.
Several months into the epidemic, it’s time to re-evaluate the quarantine period and see if it still makes sense, Smiza said.
“Today, we know so many terrible things about this disease, we have excellent laboratory tests to guide us, and we think it’s a good time to ask the question: Do we need a long detention?” He said.
Investigators ask volunteers to provide a cleaning sample on departure from the airport, along with two self-collected samples at the seven-day and 14-day mark during government-ordered detention, Smiza explained.
Researchers want to know how often these travelers test positive for the coronavirus novel in seven to 14 days – and whether that data could be used to influence future quarantine policies, Smiza said.
Participants will find their test results within 48 hours of testing their sample at St. Jose Hamilton’s research institute.
Those who test for allergies will need to stay in quarantine, and those who test positive will need to visit an assessment clinic for another cleanup and be followed by public health professionals, Smiza said.
Watch: Can airport COVID-19 tests replace passenger detention measures?
Scientists have some data in a month and within six to eight weeks they have a lot of information they need.
“It’s a blockade, and it’s meant to inform the debate about the methods we have to keep people safe … whether the data supports it,” Smiza said.
The study goes like this Multiple flights The board continues to report positive cases of COVID-19 arriving at the airport.
Air Canada is coming forward for relaxations
Air Canada, which has been supporting the study, last month called on the federal government to reduce travel restrictions and lift the detention period for travelers from areas such as the European Union, as those countries have lifted the period of detention required for Canadians.
However, there are New fires The novel Coronavirus in Europe and some countries have imposed sanctions back since July.
Watch: The blockade of Ottawa Canada has cost M 37 million for hotels
Dr Jim Chung, Air Canada’s chief medical officer, said in a news release that the study was “very important” as it could provide a way to responsibly re-examine limitations based on science.
At Pearson Airport on Thursday, passengers volunteering for the study told CBC News that they hoped it would lead to a shorter detention period.
David Keegan, who went to see his sick mother in Ireland, had to be blockaded there for 14 days. He is now about to launch another 14-day blockade here.
“A month’s detention two weeks away,” he lamented.
“I am a Canadian living in Ireland and can easily get home,” said Stephanie Larkin, who completed her test at the airport.
Low quarantine does not mean that she chooses to travel around the world, but it does make the necessary journey less painful.
“If they lower the blockade, it will definitely help.”
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