Canada’s weekly COVID-19 cases up, Tam says travel testing requirements still under review
Posted November 12, 2021 12:14 pm.
Canada’s chief public health officer says the country is experiencing some “turbulence” on the path out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a news conference Friday, Dr. Theresa Tam noted an increase in new cases this week compared to last week.
“Over the past seven days, an average of close to 2,500 new cases were reported daily across Canada, which is 11 per cent higher than last week. Currently, severe illness trends are stable, but we need to keep infection rates down to prevent increases.”
Tam says more than 28 million people, or 85 per cent of the eligible population over 12, are now fully vaccinated. However, she notes there are still “sizeable gaps in vaccine coverage.”
Related video: What you need to know as U.S.-Canada border reopens (Nov. 7)
Meanwhile, the federal Conservatives continued their push Friday to get Canada to drop its requirement for travellers to show a negative molecular test for COVID-19 upon entry to the country.
Tam says the requirement to have a test within 72 hours of travelling to Canada is still being looked at and says people should read up on what test is required and where they can get it before they travel.
“That requirement is being actively reviewed. I’m sure there will be further information to come,” she said.
“I just want to clarify one point, that the pre-arrival tests that we require is a molecular test. It doesn’t have to be a lab-based PCR test.”
Critics of the testing requirement say it is a costly rule that puts travel out of reach for many families without having a strong basis in science, particularly for trips that are only a few days in length.
Read more: Driving across the Canada-U.S. land border? Here’s what you need to know
Early this week, the U.S. relaxed its border rules, allowing fully vaccinated Canadians to drive or take a ferry into the country for non-essential reasons for the first time in over a year and a half. While proof of vaccination is asked of adult air travellers, there is no requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the U.S. by land.
However, upon return to Canada, you need to show a negative molecular test, taken no longer than 72 hours before travel. The typical cost is roughly $200 per person, though we have heard reports of Canadians getting those tests done for free.
There is a mandatory two-week quarantine for Canadians who don’t provide a negative test, and some travellers will be selected for random tests upon arrival.
With files from Lisa Steacy
