Premier Doug Ford calls for flight ban in response to new COVID-19 variant

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on the federal government to implement stronger border measures in light of a new COVID-19 variant.

The plea comes after the province’s chief medical officer of health briefed Ford about the variant known as “omicron” that’s been found in several countries in Africa.

Ford said he is urging the federal government to immediately ban all flights and passengers from “countries of concern.”

“I have contacted the federal government to express my extreme concern about the risks it poses and the need for immediate action today,” said Ford in a statement. “We cannot repeat the same mistakes that allowed the Alpha and Delta variants to enter our country. Our best defense right now is stopping this variant at the border.”

Ford says early reports suggest the variant could be “vaccine resistant” so he’s asked health officials to investigate and update scenario planning to ensure the province is ready for any outcome.

Ford says anyone arriving before the ban is implemented should be tested and quarantined, including people who arrive today.

He is also calling for point-of-arrival testing for all passengers arriving in Canada, regardless of where they are coming from.

The European Union has already agreed to impose a ban on travel from southern Africa to counter the new COVID-19 variant.

The World Health Organization has warned against any overreaction before more information about the variant is known, and its experts are meeting Friday to assess the situation.