Travellers arriving in Canada from destinations outside the U.S. can expect to self-isolate for up to three days while waiting for the results of their on-arrival COVID-19 test results. The sheer volume of the expected test load is the reason provided for the slow turnaround.
But this is assuming the airport testing measures have indeed been implemented.
A number of articles reporting on an encounter on Wednesday with Minister Duclos read like a Seinfeld episode - a self-proclaimed show about nothing.
CTV’s headline reads “Testing could start at any time, minister says,” narrowing down the timeline to an embarrassing obfuscation.
That same article refers to potential backtracking on the ruling allowing American arrivals to bypass the new testing measure:
“Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said that while talks have begun with provinces over the newly-announced Omicron-prompted travel measures, no decisions have been made yet as to whether the policy will fold in American travellers, but the government is ready to if required.”
To say the details of the full program are foggy would be an understatement. Government officials have yet to announce a timeline of implementation or provide guidance to airports.
According to Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, it is currently up to each airport eligible for international flights to implement the new policy and get the logistics in place.
Duclos also said that if an on-arrival test is not possible, travellers would be given home a take-home test.
It is critical to note that both Duclos and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra have confirmed that the new rule is already in effect and “testing has started,” said Alghabra.
Airports Have Little Info
While it is up to Canadian airports to decide how to implement the new rules, many have little information.
YYZ and YVR have confirmed the new measures are not yet in place. A spokesperson from YVR said on 01DEC the policy would be implemented in the "coming days." A spokesperson from YYZ gave a similar response, adding that, if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, international passengers are already being tested on arrival.
A spokesperson from YUL said the airport does not yet have the full details “regarding the applicability of the measures announced.”
The Canadian Airports Council also added on 01DEC that it is also waiting for details but the “only operationally-feasible way” to test all international travellers coming into Canada except those from the U.S. is to provide for off-site testing.
Undecided on U.S. Measures
Despite announcing that no testing will be required of travellers coming from the U.S., there is still some uncertainty that the policy may be extended.
Alghabra said that while "no decisions have been made as yet" on whether to expand the policy to include American travellers, the government is ready to "if required."
“Depending on the changing situation, depending on the conditions in the U.S… It’s still very fluid but if circumstances change we will change our decision,” he said.
To summarize where we stand with respect to this important new measure. Testing may start at any time. Testing has started. U.S. arrivals are exempt. We’re thinking about it.
Let’s hope a clearer picture emerges over the next few days so you can advise your clients appropriately.
This Just In
The U.S. Government announced that it will require all air travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of arrival, instead of within three days as was previously required. The U.S. is also extending its mask requirement on all domestic flights and public transportation through 18MAR 2022.
