The Red Cross is helping Canadians in quarantine after their arrival from Japan – here’s how

Please visit our COVID-19 resource page for the most current information about Red Cross programs, support, and tips. 

For the past two weeks, Canadians aboard a cruise ship have been in quarantine due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Now, those who are not showing symptoms and have not tested positive for the virus are returning to Canada, where they will spend another fourteen days in quarantine. Like the Canadians who arrived from Wuhan earlier this month, this quarantine period will follow strict protocols put in place by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Red Cross will be there to provide help, comfort and care, like registration, information and resources for people during their stay, meal delivery services, mental health support, family reunification, and personal items like hygiene kits and access to things like mobility aids, if needed. 
 

Is the Canadian Red Cross accepting donations for Canadians in quarantine?

Canadians are always incredibly generous in times of emergency, and the response to COVID-19 has been no different. The outpouring of support is so appreciated, but at this time the Red Cross is not accepting financial or in-kind donations for this response in Canada.

People arriving for quarantine have specific needs based on what they may not have already brought with them, they may also have special dietary needs. This means that donations such as food, clothing and other items, while well-intentioned, may not be what is needed and are not being accepted. 

Right now, the Red Cross is also not raising money to support the quarantine efforts in Canada. We’re working closely with government partners to determine how best to support the individuals during their stay in Cornwall. 
 
However, if you do wish to make a donation to support the Red Cross Society of China’s response to COVID-19, you can do that through the China Novel Coronavirus Response Appeal. These donations will go towards the Red Cross Society of China’s efforts to prevent and control the spread of infection, work in communities at risk, and to support government hospitals. 

How else can I help?

During disasters and emergencies, we see a rise of inaccurate, misleading or at times blatantly false information circulating around social media and word of mouth. You can help stop the spread of misinformation by making sure the information you share is from credible sources and is up-to-date.  
  
Remember, it is also still cold and flu season, so just like any year we encourage you to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, and to stay home if you are feeling unwell. You can find more cold and flu tips here.
 

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Welcome home! Red Cross supports Canadians returning from Wuhan, China
How the Red Cross is helping Canadians returning from Wuhan