The federal government has reinstated mandatory random COVID-19 testing for air travellers coming into Canada, starting July 19.
The random testing was paused on June 11, 2022, but it will be re-implemented for fully-vaccinated air travellers coming into Canada at four major airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto.
Blurred airport terminal hall with people
Testing is set to be completed off-site, outside of airports via in-person appointments, or virtual appointments with swab tests. The ArriveCAN app will make the selections at random. Those selected will then have to arrange how and where to complete the mandatory testing.
“As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said. “We need to keep border testing measures in place because that is how we track the importation of the COVID-19 virus, and of new variants of concern. We will keep adapting our border measures to balance the need to protect Canadians while supporting our economic recovery.”
If a randomly selected air traveller tests positive, they must isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive result, regardless of what provincial requirements dictate.
“The safety and security of Canadians remains our top priority,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino. “As more people continue to travel again, we’re working hard and adding resources to keep things moving. The CBSA is hiring new people – including retired officers and student border services officers – making additional kiosks available and improving ArriveCAN so it is faster and easier to use. As the situation evolves, we’ll continue to make adjustments and enhancements at the border because that’s what Canadians expect.”
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