Supporters of northwestern Ontario’s tourism industry are excited to see the federal government finally loosen measures at the international borders.
The federal government announced on March 17 that effective April 1, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water.
“This is going to make life so much easier for vaccinated Canadian travellers to return home and for tourists to visit this year, which we all know, is badly needed this summer,” said Kenora MP Eric Melillo. “It’s good to see the right decision being made.”
Previously, vaccinated travellers had to take a pre-arrival rapid antigen test no more than one day before their scheduled flight or arrival, which had to be administered by a lab or a pharmacy. Before that, travellers had to show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their departure or arrival.
“I see this as a very positive step. Something that’s long overdue,” adds Melillo. “I’ve been calling for this for quite some time now because the tests were redundant and according to the data presented, weren’t rooted in science.”
Melillo notes pre-entry testing requirements are not changing for partially or unvaccinated travellers, meaning they would still need to provide either a negative rapid antigen test, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, or a previous positive PCR test taken between 10 and 180 days prior to their flight.
Still, the changes are expected to boost international tourism across Canada and hopefully, in northwestern Ontario as well. Statistics Canada says over 169,000 international visitors arrived in February, representing a 1200 per cent increase in travellers compared to this time last year.
All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in the ArriveCAN app or website before their arrival in Canada. Travellers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information within 72 hours before boarding.
Those who do not may have to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. Previously, not completing the ArriveCAN app lead to you not being allowed entry into the country.
Residents are asked not to travel if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, are in isolation, are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test or have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case.
Ottawa says if you start to feel COVID-19 symptoms after travelling, self-isolate for 10 days and follow local public health advice regarding seeking care or medical treatment. They add that wait times can be expected at border crossings.