TORONTO — The federal government has once again extended the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all passengers arriving in or returning to Canada.

Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, sent out a tweet this afternoon confirming the extension: “We are extending the existing restrictions on non-U.S. international travel into Canada until October 31, 2020.”

Earlier this week an update to the government site that outlines Canada’s response to the pandemic, and specifically the 14-day quarantine, had indicated that the ‘Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation)’ had been extended to Oct. 31, 2020.

The final point in the 16-point decree stated: “This Order has effect for the period beginning at 23:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day on which it is made and ending at 23:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 31, 2020.”

The extension for the 14-day mandatory quarantine doesn’t come as much of a surprise to the beleaguered travel industry, now more than six months into the pandemic’s travel restrictions, including the quarantine rule.

New insurance coverage for COVID-19 from several airlines, tour operators and insurance companies, announced earlier this month, could help soften the blow of the quarantine measure, if it’s extended even further into the fall and winter season. Some travellers may decide the 14-days of quarantine is worth it for some sun this winter, now with the peace of mind of COVID-19 insurance coverage.