A total of 21,422 people have been referred to the RCMP after failing to comply with quarantine laws, which require travellers to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), nearly 1,500 of the 21,422 referrals were identified as "priority cases" for physical check-ups.

Under the Quarantine Act, people entering Canada by air or by land must provide basic information using the traveller contact information form. If travellers cannot be reached or show indications of non-compliance, they are referred to local law enforcement for a follow-up.

Just nine tickets have been issued for offences under the act so far, according to a representative for PHAC, who spoke to CTV News.

The spokesperson clarified: "As of July 9, 2020, no arrests have stemmed from PHAC-requested physical verification checks."

PHAC insisted the measures are not meant to be “punitive,” as most Canadians have carried out quarantining obligations without any objection.

“The measures taken under the Quarantine Act, including mandatory isolation for incoming travellers, have been put in place to reduce the risk of travel-introduced cases of COVID-19," PHAC added.

These measures have been essential to slowing the spread of the virus within Canada's borders."