COVID-19 exemptions at border due to B.C. flooding end Jan. 31

Border exemptions for people impacted by B.C.’s floods will end in a matter of days.

Since mid-November, British Columbians who needed to travel across the border for essential food and supplies have not been required to provide proof of a COVID-19 pre-arrival test, undergo testing upon arrival, or quarantine.

That comes to an end Jan. 31, 2022.

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• Stranded B.C. traveller takes on 14-hour drive through U.S. to get home after highways flooded

• Border exemptions for British Columbians otherwise stranded by floods

The exception was announced on Nov. 21, about a week after catastrophic flooding began in B.C., leading to mudslides and the shutdown of all highways in and out of the province with the exception of routes into the United States.

As roads slowly reopened, people were asked to limit their travel to essential reasons only.

The theory was the exemptions would allow British Columbians to drive into the U.S. to fill up on fuel or buy groceries amid supply chain impacts on this side of the border and come back without having to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine.

“These exemptions do not apply to those engaged in discretionary (non-essential) travel,” the CBSA confirmed by email to CityNews in November.

Related articles:

• Confusion at the border: British Columbians ticketed for seeking essential goods, gas amid floods

• Exemptions exist for British Columbians needing to drive to U.S. for fuel, food

Prior to November’s exemption announcement, British Columbians who needed to cross into the U.S. to transit through and back into Canada due to the road blockages were already allowed to do so without having to undergo COVID-19 testing or quarantine.