B.C. health officials say they are pleased that the federal government brought in stricter rules for Americans heading to Alaska through Canada.

However, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she wants to remind people who have come back to the provice from abroad, that they have to self-isolate for 14 days.

“I’ve become aware of people who have travelled to the US and do not believe that they were subject to the requirements to self-isolate when they came back, and that is not correct,” Henry said. “The exemptions to the federal quarantine order does not mean you are relieved from your obligations of taking the precautions that we need so that you are not exposing your family and your community.”

“Even if you are an essential worker [who travelled to visit someone across the border], you still must obey our concerns around making sure that you obey the quarantine order and self-isolation.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix is once again asking people to be vigilant when they travel.

“For people who visit us, it is not appropriate in these times to travel sick, and it is absolutely necessary when you’re visiting our province to follow the rules that you were taught to follow at home,” he said.

“In any event, follow the rules that we have in British Columbia.”

The Canada-US border has been closed since March 21, and it is open only essential goods and services heading in both directions.