With our mission to uncomplicate the complicated, we’ve always thought of our work in immigration as people-first. We hope the below updates help to make sense of the changes happening across the world.
International Updates
Canada | The government’s Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act already requires persons entering Canada—whether by air, land, or sea — to isolate for 14 days if they have symptoms of COVID-19, or to quarantine themselves for 14 days if they are asymptomatic to limit the spread of COVID-19.
As of April 15, any traveler arriving in Canada—whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic—cannot isolate or quarantine in a place where they would be in contact with people who are vulnerable, such as adults aged 65 years or over and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Upon arrival, travelers will need to confirm their quarantine or isolation plans and arrangements. All travelers are also required to wear a non-medical face mask on route to their destination. Those without a mask will be provided with one.
Individuals who regularly cross the border for goods and essential services are exempt from the quarantine requirements, so long as they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. These individuals are still required to wear a mask or face covering.
Failure to follow this Order may result in a fine up to $750,000 or prison for six months.
Case Update: 1,360 new cases, 276 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
The Czech Republic | The government has shared the initial plans for “returning to normal” across the country. Small stores and retailers will open on April 20, larger stores on May 11, and restaurants and shopping malls on June 8.
Case Update: 82 new cases, 14 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00pm CEST
Denmark | Earlier than anticipated, the government moved to begin reopening the country, starting with daycare centers and primary schools on Wednesday, April 15.
Case Update: 193 new cases, 49 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Finland | The government will lift the roadblocks around the capital city on Wednesday after three weeks. This is the first step toward easing the coronavirus restrictions across the country.
Case Update: 97 new cases, 7 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Iceland | The government will begin to decrease restrictions across the country, allowing large public gatherings to increase from 20 to 50 people on May 4. Schools will begin to reopen.
Minister of Justice Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir stated that countries within the Schengen territory were planning to extend the territory’s border closures until May 15 and that Iceland would participate in that decision. The national state of emergency will remain in place so long as any restrictions are in place.
Case Update: 9 new cases, -1 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Jordan | During the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, mosques across Jordan will not be open for worship.
Case Update: 6 new cases, 4 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Thailand | The government extended the ban on incoming passenger flights until the end of April. The ban, which was introduced on April 4, was supposed to end on April 18.
Case Update: 30 new cases, -4 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Uganda | President Yoweri Museveni extended the national lockdown by three weeks to end on May 5.
Case Update: 1 new cases, 1 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
The UK | Northern Ireland will extend restrictions until May 5, in line with Ireland.
Case Update: 5,252 new cases, 910 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Viet Nam | The government extended the lockdown in the country’s main cities – 12 provinces in total – including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City until April 22.
Case Update: 1 new cases, -2 daily change, Last updated: 2020/4/15, 7:00 PM CEST
Erickson Immigration Group’s Immigration Nerds podcast is sharing stories at the cross-section of immigration, culture, travel, and, for now, the coronavirus. If you have stories to share, like this week’s guest Chijioke Ikonte, who shares his experience as a foreign-born med student, we want to hear from you.
We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or in past updates or want to hear more about a different topic, just reply to let us know. If you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.