No more screening, quarantine or isolation requirements… The Canadian government announced on Monday that it would end on Saturday all border health restrictions aimed at combating the spread of Covid-19 and in particular the end of compulsory vaccination at entry into Canada.
“We believe that we are now in a position to modify our approach to international borders”, declared Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, indicating that “the health situation has greatly improved”.
The mask remained de rigueur on planes and trains
People over the age of 12 previously had to be vaccinated to enter Canada or undergo a screening test before entry, upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Random testing was also still in place for those vaccinated. In addition, Canada imposed the wearing of masks on planes and trains.
According to the Canadian government, transmission of the virus is mainly within the country. However, wearing a mask is still recommended to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The focus must be on up-to-date vaccination”
“Imports of cases of Covid and its variants no longer significantly influence the evolution of the pandemic in the country”, justified the Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos. “The focus must be on up-to-date vaccination (…) that’s where you have to invest,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, adding that the Covid-19 “is still there”.
About 90% of the population aged 12 and over have received two doses of the vaccine, and half have additionally received a booster, according to government figures.