Border Protection for COVID-19 Through Symptom Analysis [Funder: Carleton University COVID-19 Rapid Research Response Grants]

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that while Canada is capable of defending its borders against illegal immigration, smuggling, guns, and other nefarious unwanted elements, it is only able to deny entry to those carrying disease by almost completely shutting down borders (bar trade goods). And while Canadians are proud of their national health service, this same service faces tough challenges when dealing with pandemics such as COVID-19. Therefore, it is important for Canada to strengthen its borders to these viral agents and provide quarantine to carriers where necessary, to secure the health of its population while maintaining trade and tourist routes alike. This research program will deliver methods of monitoring the key health factors of people entering the country (whether returning or simply visiting) so that COVID-19, and future potential diseases, can be kept out of the country.