Ottawa, Ontario (WNews) – The Canadian federal government is reintroducing the requirement for a pre-arrival negative PCR COVID-19 test for all travellers entering Canada regardless of how long trips are.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement Friday as Canada continues to see a rise in Omicron COVID-19 infections.
Starting Dec. 21, all travellers entering Canada will need to show proof of a negative molecular test, like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This includes Canadians re-entering the country from trips abroad that were less than 72 hours, Duclos said.
“As I announced Wednesday, the Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside the country,” Duclos said.
“I will say it again: now is not the time to travel.” – Canada’s Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos
Only just November 19, the federal government announced it was dropping the negative test requirement for fully vaccinated Canadians returning home as of November 30 from short international trips under 72 hours.
Fully vaccinated Canadians returning from trips longer than 72 hours were still required to show proof of a negative molecular test upon return.
Canada’s testing rules for travel indicate travellers must show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled flight or arrival at the border, or proof of a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before travel.
Duclos said the pre-arrival test must be taken in a country other than Canada, and that officials are working with airport authorities, airlines and testing providers to increase testing capacity at airports for an efficient process.
Featured Photo: Canada/American Border – Peace Arch. – Nov. 2021 | Photo by Eric Boland (WNews/PNG)