The Federal government is re-imposing a COVID-19 testing requirement for all air travelers entering Canada, other than those coming from the United States, in the wake of new concerns over the omicron variant.  

“We are announcing today that all air travelers coming from outside Canada, apart from the United States will now need to be tested at the airport in which they are landing in Canada, whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated. They will then need to isolate themselves until they get the result of their test,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Tuesday.

The testing requirement will come into effect “over the next few days,” Duclos said.

He said the government is also expanding travel restrictions to three more countries: Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt.

The government last week imposed restrictions on travellers from seven southern African countries over concerns about the new variant.

Officials said Tuesday that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been to those 10 countries will now have to obtain a COVID-19 test in a third country before entering Canada.

“Upon entering Canada, these travellers with a right of entry will be tested again and will be required to wait in a designated quarantine facility until the result of their day one test result is known,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said.

Vaccinated travellers will be able to complete their quarantine plan elsewhere after obtaining a negative test, while unvaccinated travellers will have to remain at the designated facility for the entire quarantine period.

The requirement for a test in a third country takes effect tonight, Duclos said.

Asked about the possibility of a blanket travel ban similar to that imposed by Israel in order to curb transmission of the new variant, Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino did not rule out the option.

“We have never hesitated to follow the advice that we’re getting from our public health care officials, which we continue to receive in real time, particularly with the advent of this variant of concern and we believe that that the measures that we have in place are appropriate,” Mendicino said. “We know that Canadians are going to watch this very closely as are we. We will take whatever decisions are necessary.”

Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here

You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com