Confusion at Canadian airports as few details on COVID-19 testing rule for travellers

Confusion has been growing at Canadian airports since the federal government moved to change COVID-19 testing rules for travellers.

Ottawa announced earlier this week that all air travellers entering Canada, except those from the United States, need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and isolate until they get their results.

The rule even applies to those who are fully vaccinated against the virus, as health officials from around the world warn about the new Omicron variant.

However, there are few details on when the testing is to be up and running.

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Giovanni Taboylilson says he was tired and puzzled after arriving at Edmonton International Airport from Jamaica, as he was told by airport officials that new rules were kicking in at midnight.

He says he was randomly selected for a test during a layover in Toronto, was told his results would be available in three days and was allowed to continue to Edmonton.

An airport spokesman says staff are in discussions with Transport Canada, which is working to implement the testing of all travellers as soon as possible.

“We don’t have a set date for when testing will start but we anticipate it will begin in the next several days,” Steve Maybee said in an email.

The government said Tuesday that all air travellers coming into the country would have to be tested upon arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. They would also be required to isolate until they get their test result back.

Those measures were expected to take effect Tuesday night, but there appears to be some confusion.

Vancouver International Airport says it is working with the government and will be sending out more details when they know more.

“In light of additional measures to address the Omicron variant, we’re currently collaborating with the Government on the best way to implement these changes at YVR, recognizing that a combination of onsite and off-airport testing must be considered to accommodate the volume of tests contemplated,” the Vancouver Airport Authority said.

The Canadian government is also not providing further details on connecting flights, or how long the test results are supposed to take.

If I fly back into Canada and get tested at airport, which is now a requirement, where do I isolate until I get results? How long will test results take?

— JMSH (@jmsh44) December 2, 2021

@GovCanHealth @Transport_gc @AirCanada @Safety_Canada Are Canadians returning from an international destination required to isolate at arrival airport or can they continue on a “pre-booked connecting flight” to final destination and isolate there while awaiting test results?

— GMacLean (@locmac06) December 2, 2021

In addition to expanded testing rules, Canada also announced additional countries would be added to its travel ban list amid the rise of Omicron cases. Foreign nationals are currently barred from entry to Canada if they have been to Nigeria, Malawi, Egypt, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini in the last two weeks.