Beginning Thursday, Canada will require all flyers scheduled to arrive from outside the country to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure.
Only results from molecular PCR tests will be accepted. Rapid antigen tests, which are less reliable, will not be sufficient. Tests must be taken within 72 hours of departure.
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“Our government remains committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians,” minister of transport Marc Garneau said in announcing the policy. “These new measures will provide another layer of protection for Canadians as we continue to assess public health risks and work to limit the spread of Covid-19 in Canada.”
Even with the testing requirement in place, Canada will continue to require arriving visitors to quarantine for 14 days. Transport Canada said it will be increasing surveillance efforts to ensure that quarantine requirements are adhered to.
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Most U.S. residents are still prohibited from entering Canada. Exceptions are in place for those with dual Canadian citizenship, individuals with family in Canada and individuals who must travel for nondiscretionary purposes, such as essential work.