The Government of Canada announced on March 17 that fully vaccinated travelers arriving in Canada will no longer be tested for COVID-19 prior to entry from April 1.
“I think it’s no exaggeration to say that we are now in the transition phase of this pandemic,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a virtual press conference announcing the new border rules.
“As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside, infection rates are expected to decline in the coming months, but we need to be prepared for collective and personal weakening of immunity.”
Duclos may allow fully vaccinated travelers to be randomly tested on arrival, and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will still be tested. He said he needed to be quarantined for 14 days. All travelers should continue to use the ArriveCan mobile phone app.
The government had It was erased Mandatory arrival test for travelers fully vaccinated on February 28.
“Remember that all measures are subject to review. As the epidemiological situation here in Canada and abroad evolves, we will continue to coordinate them,” Duclos said.
The press conference was also attended by Minister of Transport Omar Argabra, Minister of Tourism Randy Boisonor and Deputy Chief of Public Health, Howard New.
Duclos said at a press conference that if two doses of the vaccine were less effective against the virus, especially the Omicron variant, and if the definition of “fully vaccinated” was subsequently changed, aviation and train. I was asked why my vaccination obligations for my trip remained valid. Inoculated 3 times.
The Minister of Health did not respond directly, citing the need to work with international partners in developing the rules and saying that the measures are based on the status quo that may change in the future.
“It clearly relies on the evolution of what may have little evidence and no control at all. This is the arrival of a possible new variant or future wave,” he said.
“All of these decisions today are based on current measurements of the situation, prudence and precautions, but also on the knowledge and perception that they will continue to be addressed and in some cases evolve.”
Canada is one of the only countries in the world that prohibits unvaccinated people from traveling by plane, train, and some types of vessels.
Asked about whether vaccinations will continue to be mandatory for civil servants, Duclos said all measures would be reviewed, but “currently needs to be vaccinated compulsorily.”
Transport Minister Algabra also said he would continue to address the issue of compulsory masking in transport and rely on public health advice.
“We will adjust our measures as the situation changes. Just as we mitigate our measures, if things seem to be going in the negative direction, we need to adjust our measures accordingly.” rice field.
Ottawa is slowly deregulating compared to the state. Many states have completely removed or are in the process of removing all COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine passports.
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Noé Charter is a Montreal-based Epoch Times reporter.