Read “The unnecessary barrier to border testing”
Test for symptoms
Assuming that people who travel have their two doses of vaccine and that they are more aware of the risks associated with COVID-19, I am one of those who believe that these travelers will systematically go for a screening test in public centers on their return if they notice the onset of symptoms. This in order to protect themselves and reassure their loved ones that they are not a risk of spread in the family and at work.
Doris Blanchet
False sense of security
Finally, someone brings up this nonsense, or this false sense of security! We like to live in fear in Canada. And what about these random tests when arriving at the airport to “be even more certain”! We paid 250 euros ($ 360) 48 hours before taking the plane to be told at the exit with our luggage that we were randomly chosen to undergo another test at Dorval airport … COVID-19 test and pay 250 euros before taking the plane if you are to do another when getting off the plane? Too much is like not enough ! Let’s stop enriching laboratories and keeping people in fear. It is completely ridiculous in the current context.
Linda Delorme
For the snowbirds
The vaccination rate in Florida is around 60%. I believe it is reasonable to require snowbirds a test on their return from the United States, as they usually go there for an extended stay.
Jean Béchard
Completely absurd
I find this test completely absurd for those who are doubly vaccinated. This measure gives ammunition to anti-vaccine.
Nabil Chattali
Nonsense
Doing tests for foreign travelers coming to Canada, but abolishing the obligation to obtain a PCR test for vaccinated Canadians who return home… it is nonsense!
Aimay Depelteau
Random test on arrival
I agree with you. Your editorial does not mention another nonsense: the random test at the airport on arrival. I was back from Hawaii this weekend with a negative PCR result taken a day before I left Hawaii, in addition to a full record on ArriveCan. When going out to the public area after customs, baggage reception, etc., I am directed to a makeshift clinic for a COVID-19 test. As you were saying, if I had been infected with the virus during the journey, we would not have been able to detect it. What a wasteful expense for taxpayers and further frustration for travelers.
Helene Chiasson
A semblance of a scam
Quite logical your line of thinking. It is futile to think that these tests will change health care costs in Canada. People still have to pay for nothing. It is a semblance of a scam that benefits some!
Mario lefort
Trauma still present
Borders have been the gateway for the virus, this is true for all countries. However, Canada was slow to close this door and we know the rest, particularly in Quebec where the school break allowed the virus to ring the charge. This trauma is still present and has guided the actions of the federal government to always proceed in stages, even if these seem absurd in certain cases such as for this timid opening of borders. In fact, scientists know very well that this test is useless in containing the virus, but it is very effective in preventing an uncontrollable rush to bluer skies, in that I applaud the measure.
Christian Castonguay
Abusive
You are quite right. I’m going to Mexico, there the sanitary measures are more respected than here. In all places, taking temperature, washing hands, disinfecting the soles and wearing a mask, even outdoors in busy streets. The PCR test at the cost of 2,500 pesos ($ 160) becomes abusive since we are fully vaccinated. And if the third dose has to be given, we will be the first to attend.
Guylaine Adam
Remove this requirement
Thank you for raising this anomaly! The data is clear and indisputable. We must withdraw this PCR test requirement to come back to us and instead continue our good hygiene habits. Vaccination was to be the card of freedom, so this distant freedom that we have all hoped for so much should now be within our grasp.
Lesley Hill