Self-Isolation (14 days) - Some realistic questions for new immigrants (CoPR holders)

[SVW_87]

Hello,

I understand that we all are pretty much in the same boat here and while I can empathize, there are some questions which keep crossing my mind given the fact that exemptions are in place and flight services might open up soon.

Preface :

• CoPR received in Feb 2020 and tickets booked for April end 2020 (might reschedule to May 2020 given the travel bans)
• Single traveler with relatives in Canada but cannot host during the 14 day window

Q1. There is a lot of discrepancy regarding what qualifies as public transport and what does not. I wanted to know if Cabs are still available from the Airport area and international travels can still use them. I do not have a personal car.

Q2. Recently there has been news that AirBnBs in Ontario have been banned from accepting short term reservations

• What are the options available now where one can self isolate (any other websites)
• Can we still book long term stays (28 Days and above) on AirBnb ?
• Any clue on which city will have relatively more affordable housing closer to the airport ?

Q3. For someone who does not have family or relatives in Canada and cannot step out to get groceries, what are the best ways to get affordable groceries/meals?

We can use this as a forum for discussion and add any other questions. Would really appreciate if people who have recently landed/already in Toronto or have gone through the 2 week isolation process can help.

Thanks in advance

 

[legalfalcon]

Hello,

I understand that we all are pretty much in the same boat here and while I can empathize, there are some questions which keep crossing my mind given the fact that exemptions are in place and flight services might open up soon.

Preface :

• CoPR received in Feb 2020 and tickets booked for April end 2020 (might reschedule to May 2020 given the travel bans)
• Single traveler with relatives in Canada but cannot host during the 14 day window

Q1. There is a lot of discrepancy regarding what qualifies as public transport and what does not. I wanted to know if Cabs are still available from the Airport area and international travels can still use them. I do not have a personal car.

Q2. Recently there has been news that AirBnBs in Ontario have been banned from accepting short term reservations

• What are the options available now where one can self isolate (any other websites)
• Can we still book long term stays (28 Days and above) on AirBnb ?
• Any clue on which city will have relatively more affordable housing closer to the airport ?

Q3. For someone who does not have family or relatives in Canada and cannot step out to get groceries, what are the best ways to get affordable groceries/meals?

We can use this as a forum for discussion and add any other questions. Would really appreciate if people who have recently landed/already in Toronto or have gone through the 2 week isolation process can help.

Thanks in advance

As a resident of Canada in Ontario and being involved in the local government, I can throw some light on your concerns. However, the 14 days isolation differs widely from Province to Province and largely depends on the local government too.

1. You have to fo to your place of isolation using private transportation only, such as your personal vehicle, if you have symptoms. If you do not have any symptoms, you can take public transport. When you land, you will be asked to fill in a form where you will provide all this information. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221

2. As regards the STR, there is no clear directive. See page 8 of the orderhttps://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-closure-nonessential-business-2020-04-03_0.pdf
It states that short term rentals are only for people who need a place during the pandemic. However, what constitutes short term and how AirBnB would implement it will depend on individual renters.

3. Most groceries have home delivery option. You can pay electronically and the bags will be dropped at your house. Just inform the concerned person to leave them on your door and you should avoid getting in contact with the delivery person. Most delivery persons are instructed to just drop off and leave. You can search for home delivery online and see which is the store closest to you. See https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2020/03/grocery-delivery-online-toronto/

When you land, you will be given more instructions. However, make a concrete plan before you arrive. If you do not demonstrate a good plan, you may be asked to stay in a government quarantine, especially if you show any symptoms.

Also check the Public Health website of the province you will be staying in. https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
When in doubt, you can call them.

 

[SVW_87]

Thank you Mr.Rai.

Just one last question

I understand that they have started issuing SIN numbers online which we require to open a Bank Account & apply for jobs .

However, for that they also require address proof. How can somebody in our position arrange an address proof. I will be shifting to my relative's home after the isolation period. Seems like a vicious cycle - cant get SIN - cant open Bank account - hence no bank statement to verify the address.

 

[jeffofmn]

Hi, the SIN office where I applied in Vancouver did not care what address I gave them. I asked and they told me it doesn’t matter and I did not ever need to change it. I gave my hotel address for SIN number.

 

[SVW_87]

Hi, the SIN office where I applied in Vancouver did not care what address I gave them. I asked and they told me it doesn’t matter and I did not ever need to change it. I gave my hotel address for SIN number.

Thanks Jeff - Did you do this in person or online. Right now the physical locations are closed and they have an option to apply for SIN online https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/sin-applicant-guide.html#secondary

 

[jeffofmn]

I did it in person in Dec 2019 pre covid. So thats why I know they don’t care about your address.

 

[legalfalcon]

Thank you Mr.Rai.

Just one last question

I understand that they have started issuing SIN numbers online which we require to open a Bank Account & apply for jobs .

However, for that they also require address proof. How can somebody in our position arrange an address proof. I will be shifting to my relative's home after the isolation period. Seems like a vicious cycle - cant get SIN - cant open Bank account - hence no bank statement to verify the address.

You do not need an address proof for SIN.