COVID-19 Canada: vaccinated travellers no longer need PCR test
Posted February 27, 2022 5:37 pm.
Last Updated February 28, 2022 4:58 am.
Starting Monday, vaccinated travellers will no longer need to show a molecular COVID-19 test to enter Canada. Instead, they will need to present a rapid antigen test approved by the country from which it is purchased.
However, city officials from two border communities say the testing change isn’t enough to help their economies bounce back after two years of financial hits due to the border restrictions.
Richard May, the deputy mayor for Blaine, Washington, says although the rapid test is more cost-effective than a molecular test like the PCR, it will still deter people from visiting the community.
“It’s just a different kind of test. So there’s a slight difference in price, but just about all the same amount of additional steps,” May said.
Point Roberts residents have been among those hardest hit by the closures COVID-19 caused and Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, Brian Calder echoes May’s words saying he doesn’t expect the change will increase activity or alter the local economy whatsoever.
Calder says he would like to see all border restrictions lifted.
Read More: Vaccinated travellers will no longer need molecular COVID test to get into Canada
The decision to update the testing requirement came down two weeks ago as the COVID-19 situation in Canada improved.
However, Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said rapid tests will have to be administered by a laboratory or health care entity.
With the latest update to restrictions, unvaccinated children travelling with vaccinated adults who come to Canada will no longer have to isolate from school or daycare for 14 days.
Some fully vaccinated travellers might still be randomly selected for a test at the airport, but they will not be required to quarantine while they wait for the result.
Unvaccinated Canadians will need to be tested at the airport and again eight days after arrival and isolated for 14 days.
