Airlines get SARS declaration forms as Canada flights continue

Airlines operating flights between Trinidad and Canada are continuing their scheduled flights, in spite of the travel advisory issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encouraging passengers to engage in only “essential travel” to the destination.

Indra Maraj, Customer Service Manager of Air Canada said yesterday that the airline would continue flights as usual. She offered assurance that the airline was complying with the guidelines of the Airport Authority’s Port Health department, with regard to monitoring and distribution of SARS Declaration Forms for all incoming passengers. Maraj was unable to reveal any information regarding the impact on the advisory on ticket sales.

Eric Pierre, Deputy General Manager Operations, of the Airports Authority said that every single international passenger coming into the country will be given a Declaration Form to fill out. He stated that there is a need for international vigilance by all airlines and airport authorities worldwide, saying, “We are now all working together to stop this threat, we are all doing what we have to.”

The chartours, Air Transat and Sky Services, are continuing their customary flights out of Canada. General Aviation Services, the umbrella body that operates the chartours declined to comment on the issue. The General manager of the firm said, “We cannot give any information for the news, you have to talk to the health authorities.” BWIA will also continue its flights to and from Canada. A travel advisory issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday cautioned against travel to Toronto, Canada and Beijing in China. More than 260 persons have died of the disease and over 3,500 persons have been infected worldwide.

Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health, Keith Sancho, said that by preparing the SARS Declaration Forms, the Ministry was simply taking precautionary measures, and there is no need for locals to panic. Sancho added, “We must be vigilant, because if it comes it will come through an air or sea port.”

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