Canada hasn’t even dropped its COVID travel restrictions, and already the government has elevated monkeypox to Level 2 status, which means travellers may be subject to “isolation,” i.e., mandatory quarantine.
As per a Health Canada announcement, “In the current outbreak, those at risk of infection are those who have had close or intimate contact with a person who has monkeypox.”
“During your travel, you may be subject to procedures at your destination put in place to limit the spread of monkeypox, such as isolation, should you become infected. You may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should you become ill, and may experience delays in returning home.”
This announcement also suggests that, much like COVID, the Canadian government plans on utilizing COVID infrastructure to track individuals suspected of having contacted those with confirmed monkeypox infections.
Health Canada continues, saying the federal government is now working with provincial and international governments to monitor the spread of monkeypox, even though cases remain low and monkeypox isn’t transmitted easily.
They are also recommending the use of personal protective equipment while travelling, which may mean additional mask mandates down the road.