Dhaka: The Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra has announced two new interim orders, which ban pleasure craft in Canadian Arctic waters and cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022.

Meaning, adventure-seeking pleasure craft are still prohibited from entering Arctic waters; passenger vessels carrying over 12 people are still prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast; cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people are still prohibited from operating in Canadian waters, but pleasure craft used by local Arctic residents will not be affected by these measures.

The public health authorities will be able to continue focusing on the most pressing issues, including the vaccine rollout and new COVID-19 variants with these prohibitions in place.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada continues to advise Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice.

Essential passenger vessels, such as ferries and water taxis, should continue to follow local public health guidance and protocols, and follow mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks. These could include: reducing the number of passengers, ensuring physical distancing, the wearing of masks, and enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.