(Ottawa) Travelers aged 12 and over who have not been adequately vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer permitted to board a train or plane in Canada as of Tuesday, at unless you qualify for one of the limited exemptions.
For most people, therefore, it will no longer be enough to show a negative test for the coronavirus to be authorized to use this public transport.
This policy was supposed to come into effect a month ago, on October 30, but the Government of Canada has granted a transitional period allowing travelers to prove their state of health and providing a negative molecular test carried out during the 72 hours preceding their departure. trip.
People telling their airline or rail that they are eligible to board, but fail to provide proof of vaccination or a valid COVID-19 test result, could also face penalties or to fines.
The emergence of the new Omicron variant, known to be highly contagious, prompted the Canadian authorities to establish new border measures, in particular for travelers from a few southern African countries.
Several Canadian air carriers have started randomly checking the immunization status of their travelers before the new requirement comes into force. Other health measures, such as wearing a mask in the passenger compartment, remain compulsory.
Unvaccinated children under 12 years old and 4 months old do not need a COVID-19 test to travel within Canada or to leave the country, but the requirements of international destinations may be different.