The Canadian Forces Snowbirds announced today that they'll be crossing the country to salute all those doing their part in the fight against the pandemic. 

The new mission is called Operation Inspiration, and it'll see the team’s signature nine-jet formation fly over cities across the country starting this weekend. 

The jets will start off in Nova Scotia and move west throughout the week, and the team will release details about locations, routes and times on their social media platforms each day. 

We are heading across the country to salute all Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of Covid-19. Our routes (posted here!) will target hospitals and residential neighbourhoods. More: https://t.co/zp8vIoDVnm. #cfsnowbirds #rcaf #ThankYouHealthWorkers pic.twitter.com/z4K3UhcfY8

— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) April 29, 2020

"Every year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds travel the country putting smiles on the faces of Canadians," said Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Royal Canadian Air Force commander, in a release.

"While Canadians may not be able to gather at air shows for now, we’re honoured to bring the Snowbirds team to Canadians and to pay special tribute to them."

The Snowbirds' operation has been on pause since March 20 and members have been home practicing self-isolation and social distancing since then. 

Our @CFSnowbirds will be flying over 🇨🇦 to salute frontline workers who are working for all of us to stop the spread of #COVID19.

They will start flying this weekend in Nova Scotia, reminding all of us of the importance to stick together in these difficult times for all. pic.twitter.com/S8jSkJ2JT0

— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) April 29, 2020

As is standard practice after an extended pause from flying operations​​​​, the team will spend two days at their home base of 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan flying refresher and proficiency training missions. 

During the tour, team members will be practising recommended hand-washing and wearing personal protective equipment as well as minimizing any interactions with people other than each other.

OPERATION INSPIRATION
Canadian Forces Snowbirds will fly across Canada to “salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of #COVID19.” The tour will begin this weekend in Nova Scotia. Location and route updates to follow. #CFSnowbirds pic.twitter.com/WYPf18crtA

— Tom Podolec Aviation (@TomPodolec) April 29, 2020

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are encouraging Canadians to observe the flyovers from the safety of their home, to refrain from travelling anywhere to see them and to maintain the physical distancing practices that are keeping us all safe.

"We’ve been asked to do what we do best… inspire Canadians," said Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, commanding officer of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, in a statement. 

"Through Operation Inspiration, we not only want to salute the front-line health-care workers, first responders, and essential workers, but also all Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We want Canadians to know we’re in this with you."