WestJet implements new policy to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing

WestJet has decided to require passengers share their contact information to board a flight in case contact tracers for COVID-19 need to reach them.

“One of the most effective ways public health officials can help slow COVID-19 transmission in our communities is contact tracing,” a statement from Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix reads.

“That means contacting people who may have been exposed to a confirmed case, to provide them the supports they need to self-monitor and, if necessary, get tested and self-isolate.”

They explained that, throughout the pandemic, contact tracers have had challenges reaching people who were exposed to the virus on flight because of limited information.

Effective Sept. 1, 2020, the input of contact information for those travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop will become mandatory at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks.

Once implemented, guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen and will be required to input up-to-date information prior to the issuance of a boarding pass.

The BC Government and WestJet met earlier this month to discuss how to help keep passengers safe.

A decision the airline announced today to collect passenger names and contact information and share it with health authorities if a COVID-19 case is identified was discussed in the meeting.

“It’s a policy that will keep our communities, and all passengers travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop, safer during this pandemic,” Henry and Dix said, adding that it will be an important part of restarting BC.