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COVID-19 isn’t stopping Canadian health-care flight service

Prince Edward Island has joined Newfoundland and Labrador in announcing isolation requirements for all visitors in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

An organization that connects patients with free flights to critical medical care is going strong amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hope Air officials saw a downturn in their flights last year due to postponements of some procedures.

In October, Premier Scott Moe commented on the delay of surgeries in the province with the increased focus pandemic response.

“This is one of the effects of COVID-19,” he said, “ensuring that our health-care system is up and servicing the broader population in the way that we expect.”

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This year, though, things are taking off again for Hope Air, especially for immunocompromised patients who benefit from the safety of private flights and accommodations.

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struggling financially during the pandemic to reach out for help.

“We’re always going to get you to the health-care you need, regardless of your income, regardless of how far you live,” Rubinstein said.

“We know how important that service is for so many Canadians.”

Hope Air makes around 13,000 trips each year with donor support and through partnerships with airlines, private pilots and hotels.

Click to play video: 'COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons of a flight-free 2020'
COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons of a flight-free 2020

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