COVID quarantine hotels remain in place in Calgary, across Canada

With the busy tourism season about to arrive, and Calgary Stampede just around the corner, there’s one Calgary hotel that remains fully booked by the federal government because of COVID-19.

The Westin Hotel by the Calgary airport, which has 247 rooms, is completely booked and unavailable to the public as it is earmarked for quarantining travellers until at least the end of Sept. unless the contract is extended.

CityNews reached out to the Westin, but it would not say how many people are currently booked into its Calgary airport hotel for quarantining purposes.

Sixteen other hotels across the country are also fully booked for the feds’ quarantine program.

The sites are in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Kelowna, Whitehorse, Regina, Winnipeg, Fredericton, Halifax, and St. John’s.

Related Article: Canada to lift random COVID-19 tests for international travellers

“Facilities have been designated and undesignated (designations cancelled) as required to protect Canadians and to respond to evolving needs throughout the pandemic,” said Tammy Jarbeau of Communications and Public Affairs for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“To protect the privacy and safety of travellers, traveller information and locations/names of Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF) are not disclosed to the public. However, any traveller who is directed to a DQF or is currently staying in one could share information, including the location of the facility, with their families or loved ones.”

When asked when the program will end, the department said it will continue as long as emergency orders remain in place.

“As long as Emergency Orders are in place mandating quarantine after international travel, the Government of Canada needs to be proactive and prepare for safe quarantine options for travellers without suitable alternatives,” Jarbeau added.

Related Article: U.S. to drop COVID test requirement for arriving air travellers

“The use of federal DQFs is dependent on a variety of factors including changes in travel restrictions, traveller volumes and the quarantine plans of travellers.”

CityNews also reached out to Calgary-Skyview MP George Chahal, as the Westin Hotel Airport is in his riding, but he refused to comment.

Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel Garner disagrees with the program.

Meantime, in Alberta, the province would not comment on the federal quarantine hotel program, but it did say it has its own program which uses hotels to support Albertans experiencing homelessness.

“There are isolation services in eight communities across the province.

The number of spaces available varies based on demand, but no Albertan is ever turned away.

The funding for these spaces is in place until the end of July,” said Community and Social Services Minister Jason Luan.