Beginning October 1, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the government would eliminate coronavirus-related vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements for overseas travellers.
According to The Detroit News, beginning next month, tourists planning to enter Canada for business or pleasure will no longer be required to show “proof of vaccination, undergo testing, quarantine or isolate, or submit public health information to the government’s app or website.”
“We have reached the point where we can safely relax the sanitary precautions at the border, thanks primarily to Canadians who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement.
“However, we expect COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses to circulate throughout the cold months,” Duclos continued. “I encourage everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, and to practise individual public health measures.”
Furthermore, masks will be withdrawn from public modes of transportation in October, including airlines and trains. In addition, the country is removing pre-departure testing and vaccination requirements for the cruise sector.
Officials in Canada said in June that existing border restrictions would be maintained until at least September 30, but that they would begin relaxing protocols for unvaccinated citizens leaving the country for international travel.
While the changes are a step forward for the travel industry, ACTA President Wendy Paradis and others are concerned that coronavirus-related restrictions may be reinstated in the fall and winter seasons if the number of cases rises.