BREAKING: Trudeau government to introduce airport temperature screening despite previously dismissing the practice

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media on Friday from Rideau Hall in Ottawa to provide updates on the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau emphasized the importance of keeping cases low as economies reopen, pointing to several countries around the world who see spikes in cases as social restrictions ease up. To this, Trudeau referred to the $14 billion dollars in federal cash that would be distributed to the provinces and territories, saying that there were ongoing discussions with premiers and leaders to keep cases low.

Regarding the shocking dashcam footage of the arrest and assault of Chief Allan Adams, Trudeau said that reforms were needed at all levels of policing, including bodycams, and that his government would be working with the provinces to better aid Indigenous and black Canadians.

"I think everyone who has seen this video has serious questions about what exactly happened," said Trudeau. "That's why we're calling for an independent, transparent investigation that will get the answers to so many questions that people are asking right now."

On travel, Trudeau said that physical distancing was "still the best way" to protect yourself from the virus, but for those who need to take flights, Trudeau announced that it temperature screening for air passengers would be mandated "through a phased approach"; first for those travelling to Canada, then those travelling from Canada, and finally those travelling within Canada.

On why he did not introduce these measures earlier, Trudeau said that the idea of temperature screening was told that it was "not a particularly effective way of detecting COVID-19," though now, health officials have changed their minds, saying that it's an additional measure.

"Now that we're starting to reopen the economy and see more people coming into Canada, we're looking to do what other countries are doing by introducing additional measures. This doesn't guarantee that we'll be able to protect people, but it's another reasonable measure of protection that will encourage people who are sick not to travel and to stay home," the prime minister responded (translated from French.)

Passengers who have a fever will not be permitted to board their flight. Airport employees will also have to be screened.  

In May, Dr. Theresa Tam was asked whether or not the measure should be used. Tam had said that the measure was "largely ineffective."

When asked why screenings were being implemented if science had not shown them to be an effective measure, Trudeau said the measure was "not detecting cases of COVID-19," saying its not a sure-fire way. Rather, Trudeau said it was an extra layer of protection.