As Canada is in the grips of the third wave, many regions continue to maintain restrictions for "essential travel only", including new travel restrictions for Ontario starting April 17, 2021 and British Columbia starting April 23, 2021. Consult the provincial guidelines section below for more information and check back here regularly for the latest updates.
Get the latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) and what it means for you as a Poparide driver or passenger, including Poparide’s policies to ensure safe travel.
In this document:
Covid-19 Travel Guidelines on Poparide
Provincial guidelines
Alberta
British Columbia
Ontario
Quebec
Cancellations on Poparide due to coronavirus
Anti-discrimination policy
Medical exemption from wearing a mask
Covid-19 Travel Guidelines on Poparide
It is important that all Poparide members read and understand the following travel guidelines:
Before you travel:
- Check the latest provincial guidelines and restrictions around travel
- Do not travel if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing)
- If you have travelled outside of Canada and have recently returned, you must observe the 14 day self-quarantine as prescribed by the Public Health Agency of Canada
- If you are a driver, please remember to leave an empty seat or two in your vehicle to ensure plenty of space between passengers
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before travelling
During travel:
- Avoid physical contact like handshakes when greeting Poparide members (try a foot bump instead!)
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask for the duration of the trip
- If you need to cough or sneeze during the trip, ensure that your mouth and nose are covered with a mask, tissue or sleeve (not your hands)
- Use hand sanitizer during and after your trip and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Ensure natural airflow in the vehicle by leaving windows slightly open
Provincial guidelines
Following is a summary of current government-issued travel guidelines from the four provinces in which Poparide has the most activity. Please refer to each provincial government's website listed below for the latest information.
If you are planning on crossing provincial or territorial borders during your trip, please ensure that you are following the appropriate regulations for each region you are travelling in.
If your province or territory is not listed below, we strongly advise you to locate and reference the government-issued travel guidelines for your province or territory before travelling.
Alberta
Responsible travel is permitted, face-covering recommended
Alberta currently allows "responsible travel" within the province. The government is asking travellers to follow restrictions on physical distancing and gatherings, take all necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of others and download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public. Please refer to the Government of Alberta Covid-19 Travel Requirements for more details.
British Columbia
Essential travel only, face-covering required
Effective Friday, April 23, 2021, the BC government is enforcing new travel restrictions. The new order divides the province into three regional zones, including the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and the Northern/Interior regions, and prevents people from leaving their regional zone for non-essential reasons. Travellers at the BC-Alberta border will only be allowed to enter BC for essential reasons.
Face masks are mandatory in all public indoor areas as detailed on the BC Province-wide Restrictions webpage.
Ontario
Essential travel only, face-covering required
Effective Saturday, April 17, 2021, the Ontario government is strengthening enforcement of the province's Stay-at-Home order while imposing new travel restrictions and further strengthening public health measures. All regions within Ontario have been designated as essential travel only.
The government is restricting travel into Ontario from the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec with the exception of purposes such as work, health care services, transportation and delivery of goods and services or exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights.
Details of current restrictions are provided on the Ontario Covid-19 Public Health Measures and Advice webpage.
Quebec
Restricted travel between regions, face-covering required
Quebec has restrictions in place for travel between regions. Please note that Quebec has made wearing a face-covering mandatory in indoor public spaces since July 2020.
The government of Quebec has published interim recommendations for drivers in the taxi and ridesharing industry.
Cancellations on Poparide due to coronavirus
If you are feeling unwell and have posted a trip as a driver or booked a ride as a passenger, please send a message to our support team immediately to cancel your trip and we will waive any cancellation fees on your account and issue you a full refund.
Please note that if you do not cancel your booking before departure and request a refund after departure, we can only issue you a refund if your payment has not already been paid out to the driver, which usually takes place four days after the trip is completed.
If you have concerns about travelling with other members on Poparide, please get in touch and we will handle cancellations and refunds on a case-by-case basis.
Anti-discrimination policy
Poparide has a long-standing commitment to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming community for everyone. Please note that discrimination against drivers or passengers can lead to account suspension.
If you have any concerns about another Poparide member, please contact our support team and we will be happy to help.
Medical exemption from wearing a mask
If you are a passenger and have a medical exemption from wearing a mask:
It is important that you inform the driver prior to booking the trip (or as soon as possible after booking) to ensure that the driver is fully aware that you have a medical exemption from wearing a mask. It is up to the driver and other passengers to decide if they are comfortable with the situation and whether you will be able to join the trip.
If you are a driver and have a medical exemption from wearing a mask:
It is important that you clearly indicate in your trip description that you will not be wearing a mask due to a medical exemption so that all passengers are fully aware prior to booking. It is up to passengers to decide if they are comfortable with the situation and whether they will join your trip.