Canada Border Restrictions

From CTV News:

            Good news for Canadians who are fully vaccinated: Starting July 5, there is no longer an obligation to self-isolate for 14 days or to stay in a quarantine hotel upon arrival. Amid calls to end mandatory hotel quarantines from many, including the Canada’s COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel, Health Minister Patty Hajdu welcomed the new measures but stressed that seeing these changes become a reality will depend on whether there are any concerning fluctuations in new case counts and vaccination rates, as well as pending consultations with provinces and territories. In this regard, things are looking good: Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam stated that Canada’s seven-day average of new daily COVID cases has dropped below 1,800 for the first time since the fall of 2020, and Canada expects to receive at least 55 million vaccines by July’s end.

Travellers will still have to show a negative pre-departure PCR test, as well as take another COVID test upon arrival in Canada and self-isolate until that result comes back negative. Those who are eligible are:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Fully vaccinated travellers will be considered those who have completed their vaccinations at least 14 days prior to their arrival in Canada.
• Travelers who received a vaccination only from: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson.

All non-essential travel remains prohibited. What is considered proof of vaccination is still being worked out with the provinces, but Minister Hajdu did say that the ArriveCan app will play a role.

Unfortunately for citizens of the United States and tourists from other nations, the border closure remains in effect- much to the displeasure of businesses and legislators. With pressure increasing, talks are ongoing with the US about how specific border measures could be eased. Dr. Tam said that the target of fully vaccinated Canadians stands at 75% before further reopening of the border is considered, a figure the government hopes can be reached by July 21.

Prepared by: Daniel Guzman, CTCC Senior Aide