We’re answering your questions about the pandemic. Send yours to COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday online, and also put some questions to the experts during The National and on CBC News Network.
We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic. Send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and on CBC News Network. So far we’ve received more than 45,000 emails from all corners of the country.
If I have to travel, is it safer to drive or fly?
After months of being homebound, many Canadians are itching to get moving or they’re desperate to take care of some long distance personal matters they had to put off for the pandemic.
Whether they have to travel across the country or within their province or territory, many Canadians, like Cathy G., are wondering what’s the safest way to get to their destination.
First, it’s important to remember that all provinces and territories are still advising against non-essential travel at this time. New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and the three territories have actually barred Canadian visitors from entering their borders unless they meet specific criteria.
But if you absolutely have to go, the experts we spoke to said car travel is safest when it comes to avoiding the coronavirus, assuming that you’re travelling with people in your household or social bubble.
“Maintaining social distancing is much easier in a car and motels, or camping, than it is on a plane or in a train,” said Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital. “I don’t think that there is any question that driving is safer.”
Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious diseases physician at Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga, Ont., agrees that hotels and cars are the safest way for long distance travel because other modes of transportation pose more risks.
“On a plane,