Canada will resume COVID-19 testing at airports next week
Starting on the 19th of July 2022, the Canadian government will require random COVID-19 testing for air travelers entering the country.
In just over a month after pausing the measure, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on the 14th of July 2022 that it plans to reintroduce random screening at major airports across the country, including Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto.
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Travelers entering Canada must have had two doses of a recognized vaccine (such as Pfizer, Moderna, or Astra-Zeneca) or one Johnson & Johnson vaccine shot before being selected for random testing. The health agency will conduct testing at random on approximately four to five percent of travelers entering Canada. In-person appointments will occur at “selected testing provider locations and pharmacies,” or virtual tests and self-swabs will happen off-site.
Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to take a test on days one and eight of their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. If a fully vaccinated traveler tests positive, they must remain isolated for ten days regardless of where they live. Randomly selected individuals must complete their tests within one day of arriving.
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“As demand for travel increases across the world, this announcement marks an important step in our progress to streamline testing processes outside our airports while preventing the further spread of COVID-19,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a press release.
According to a statement made by the Canadian minister of health, Jean-Yves Duclos, “Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence. Border testing measures must remain active to track the importation of COVID-19 and new variants.”
Canada will continue to adapt its border measures to maintain a balance between protecting Canadians and supporting economic recovery.
How to stay safe while traveling during the Covid-19 period
Covid-19 is not over. Travelers and tourists will be at a higher risk of exposure to the virus while on their trip. To stay safe, follow these tips:
- Use masks in public spaces
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol when possible
- Avoid crowded places and high-traffic areas where you might come in contact with others who are sick or in quarantine
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
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