Commuters crossing the border between Canada and Detroit can expect extra questioning now that Canadian officials have enhanced novel coronavirus prevention measures at land, rail and ferry ports of entry.

Canadian officials moved to expand the efforts to land, rail and ferry ports on March 5. The next day, the measures were launched across the country, Canada Border Services Agency senior spokeswoman Rebecca Purdy said in an email.

“Enhanced measures are being implemented in the land, rail and ferry modes based on the evolution of COVID-19 and the increasing number cases of cases occurring outside of mainland China as well as recognizing that a number of travelers who eventually seek entry into Canada arrive in the U.S. first initially,” she said.

The news comes as Michigan announced the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state late Tuesday night. The World Health Organization on Wednesday called the spread of the virus a pandemic.

As of Tuesday, the deaths of 31 people in the U.S. were attributed to the virus. Across the Detroit River, in Canada, one death in 93 confirmed cases of coronavirus was reported.

Of those, 36 were reported in the Ontario province that shares a border with Detroit, according to government data.

The Canadian government previously enhanced screenings at international airports for those arriving from the Hubei province of China, the epicenter of the COVID-19 illness, and hard-hit Iran.

Though the efforts weren’t taken at other ports of entry, Purdy last week said border officers are designated screening officers, able to ask questions and request documentation to determine whether a traveler might have an illness subject to quarantine.

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The measures at ferry, rail and land ports focus on travelers who have been in Iran within 14 days prior to seeking entry.

Border agents will ask travelers if they have been in Iran in that timeframe, or if they are feeling unwell, Purdy said.

If they answer “yes” to either question or appear ill, regardless of their point of origin or answer, they will be referred for further processing and examination.

Those who were in Iran but don’t feel or appear ill will receive a handout advising them to monitor their symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days, and contact their public health authority if they develop symptoms within 14 days.

Travelers who answer “No” and don’t exhibit signs of illness will be released after normal processing, but receive active offers to take the handout, Purdy said.

Other enhanced measures include distribution of forms for travelers to fill out, so they can be tracked, providing a mask kit with instructions to travelers of concern, and intercepting travelers who have been in other affected areas, such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Officials are also posting signage to raise awareness and providing advice for those arriving from Hubei, China or Iran on monitoring, self-isolation, contacting officials regarding symptoms within 14 days of arrival.

“Entry screening alone is not a guarantee against the possible spread of this new virus but is an important public health tool during periods of uncertainty and part of a multilayered government response strategy,” Purdy said.

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A representative for U.S. Customs and Border Protection could not be immediately reached for comment on any updated U.S. measures.

Last week, agency spokesman Kris Grogan said in a statement that foreign nationals who have been in ChinaorIranwithin 14 days of their arrival to the U.S. will be denied entry, in line with guidance from Trump and the Department of Homeland Security.

Though the guideline doesn’t apply to permanent residents of the U.S., flight crews or immediate family of citizens, those who are exempt but have been in either country within 14 days will be referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional screenings, Grogan said.

Travelers with symptoms of the illness may be given a mask and referred to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or emergency personnel for screening, he said.

Border patrol employees have been given guidance on using protective gear, such as face masks, in appropriate scenarios, he said.

Contact Darcie Moran: dmoran@freepress.com.