All border entry requirements put in place during the pandemic will be lifted at the end of the month.
That includes vaccine requirements, having to use the Arrive CAN app for reporting health information, mandatory testing, and quarantine.
The announcement was made Monday morning by Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
“This includes the removal of all federal testing, quarantine and isolation requirements as well as a mandatory submission of health information in ArriveCAN,” said Duclos
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Howard Njoo released the latest COVID data showing case numbers are up, as expected, with the arrival of cooler weather.
“We are going into this fall and winter season with a very different scorecard,” said Njoo. “We now have a significant advantage in terms of infection and vaccine acquired immunity as well as having bivalent vaccine formulations that can further bolster our protection.”
Njoo warned that we still have to be mindful of vulnerabilities and remember that immunity diminishes over time. Duclos urged everyone to get a booster this fall.
“More than 85 per cent of Canadians have received at least two doses of vaccines,” said Duclos. “All Canadians aged six months and older now have access to a safe and [effective] vaccine. Further, fall booster vaccine campaigns have begun across the country, which will further increase protection.”
Restrictions are also easing for domestic travellers.
“This means that as of October 1st travellers will no longer be required to undergo health checks for travel on air and rail or wear masks on planes and trains,” announced federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.
Measures for cruise ships are also being eased. Travellers will no longer have to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use the ArriveCAN app. However, there are still guidelines similar to what’s used in the United States to keep passengers safe.
Travellers are still cautioned that they must follow any provincial and territorial requirements.
