Some Canadians surprised by random COVID-19 testing at border

Even if you are going to cross the border for a short trip, you may still have to get a COVID-19 test. People coming back into Canada are being randomly chosen to get swabs.

“I was handed a kit… Randomly [selected] for home collection,” said Beverly Pausche, who crossed back into the country on Sunday.

She hadn’t heard this could be a possibility. But being clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, she was happy to comply.

“It’s good from my perspective that they are randomly doing some tests,” said Pausche, who lives in Horseshoe Bay.

Related article: Most Canadians support strong border measures amid new Omicron COVID-19 variant: poll

The arrival tests are provided for free and must be completed within 24 hours of entering Canada.

“It’s pretty easy. I mean, you can either FedEx it in or you can drop it off at a Shoppers or one of the LifeLabs locations,” she said about her experience.

New Westminster resident Daniel Kwong also recently went across the border for a quick trip. He never heard about the possibility of being asked to do a rapid test, either. But he thinks it’s a good step.

“I think it’s a great idea. I think, if anything, a lot of people were saying the CBSA could have been a little more transparent about the situation, about … the app, and about the random testing. I don’t think it’s was as clear as it could be.”

The at-home tests also require access to a reliable internet and a computer with a camera, which may be challenging for some, as can be arranging for the test to be picked up.

Full details on the mandatory randomized test have been posted on the Canadian government’s website, although the details are difficult to find. 

There has been criticism over the lack of clear communication about what to expect when crossing the border.

Those coming into Canada must enter their travel details in the ArriveCAN app. Failing to do so could lead to them being denied boarding or subjected to a two-week quarantine on arrival.

Information on the ArriveCAN app on the Canadian government’s website on Dec. 8, 2021. (Source: canada.ca)

However, on Monday, Canada’s public safety minister instructed border officials to allow people to verbally give their travel information at the border, if they forget to fill out the app. CityNews requested an interview with the Canada Border Services Agency but was denied.

Vancouver resident Darren Dickey crossed into the U.S. on Monday. He found the process fairly easy, but worries about the lack of clear communication to the public on what to expect when they cross the line.

“I think a lot of people are nervous to cross the border to begin with. Everybody’s been sweating as they’ve come through that line, even if they have nothing to declare. They just get nervous. And so as you layer on more and more of these requirements, I think it will create anxiety and maybe [lead] some people to rethink whether or not they should cross or not.”