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Once the plane lands at a military base in Trenton, Ont., the passengers will be examined once again. If any show signs of infection, they’ll have to stay at the base. The rest will be sent for a two-week stay at the NAV Canada Training Institute — a privately owned facility where soldiers learn to use radar technology and other aeronautical equipment.

But as the tradesmen erect fences around the Cornwall building and staff sterilize rooms inside, locals say they’re afraid their city isn’t equipped to handle such a complex medical intervention.

”Why not just put them at the Bell Centre (in Montreal), it makes about as much sense,” said Wayne McGill, who sat in the Riverside Restaurant just down the road from NAV Canada Wednesday. “There was no consultation with us, we have no idea how contagious this is, we have no idea what the risks are.”

Cornwall Mayor Bernadette Clement said her office wasn’t included in the decision by Public Health Agency Canada to set up a quarantine in the border city. She was informed of it after attending a production of Mamma Mia! at the local theatre Saturday.

“There was an information void early on and when that happens people fill it with misinformation and fear,” said Clement. “We’re going to have daily briefing with the federal government but they need to be giving information directly to the people. I think that will improve in the coming days.”

While there have been misgivings about the influx of quarantined passengers, Clement said citizens are also offering to deliver care packages to them.