Random testing for COVID-19 resumes as of Tuesday in Canada for travelers considered fully vaccinated arriving in the country by air at the four main Canadian airports, those of Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
The Government of Canada halted random testing for fully vaccinated air travelers on June 11, while it put in place a system to allow these tests to be done outside of airports. Stakeholders in the tourism and air transport sector had estimated that the measures in place were responsible for long delays at airports and were damaging Canada’s reputation.
Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo says random testing is an important part of Canada’s strategy to detect new variants coming into the country and direct some public health measures.
All screening tests are therefore carried out outside of airports, either in person at certain locations such as stores or pharmacies, or during a virtual appointment for a self-screening test.
To be considered fully immunized, travelers must have received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted for travel by the Government of Canada, at least 14 days prior to entry into Canada. Travelers who are not considered fully vaccinated, unless exempt, must continue to be tested on day one and day eight of their mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Air travelers selected for mandatory random testing will receive an email notification within 15 minutes of submitting their customs declaration, including information to help them arrange for testing with a provider within their region. If the test result is positive, the traveler will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the date the result is received, per federal requirements.
In addition, travelers must continue to use the ArriveCAN app or website to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of arriving in Canada or before boarding a cruise ship at destination of Canada.