The Canadian government said 95 percent of ground and air travelers use the ArriveCan app and is taking steps to improve compliance.Alex Filipe / Reuters
The federal government will extend current COVID-19 public health measures for travelers entering Canada, including the use of the ArriveCan app, until at least September 30th.
In a statement Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada also said it will continue to pause mandatory randomized testing for fully vaccinated travelers at all airports until mid-July.
He first announced the pause on June 11 and said in the statement that it would allow airports to focus on streamlining their operations.
The public health agency said it is moving forward with plans to move COVID-19 testing for air travelers out of airports to select test provider stores, pharmacies or by virtual appointment.
Mandatory random testing must continue at land border entry points unchanged.
The statement added that travelers who are not fully vaccinated and do not have a valid exemption should continue testing on day 1 and day 8 of their 14-day quarantine.
“As we move into the next phase of our response to COVID-19, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over. We must continue to do everything we can to keep ourselves and others safe from the virus,” he said. say the Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, in a statement.
He also urged people to keep up with the recommended vaccines to make sure they are adequately protected against infection, transmission and serious complications.
“As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will continue to be flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence.”
All travelers must continue to use the ArriveCan app or website to provide their travel information within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Canada or before embarking on a cruise to the country. The government said 95% of land and air travelers are using the app and are taking steps to improve compliance.
The government also said moving the tests out of airports will allow Canada to adjust to the increase in passenger volume, while being able to quickly monitor and respond to new variants of concern or changes in the epidemiological situation.
He said border testing has been essential in helping Canada curb the spread of the virus, as the test data is used to understand the current level and trends of COVID-19 imports into the country.
The testing program also allows the detection and identification of new variants of COVID-19 concern, he said.
Tourist groups and mayors and MPs from border communities have called on the government to ease the restrictions and rule out the ArriveCan application, saying the measures limit cross-border travel.
Transport Minister Randy Boissonnault said the government is deeply invested in growing the economy of Canada’s visitors.
“From our reputation as a safe travel destination to our world-class attractions and spacious spaces, Canada has it all and we are ready to welcome domestic and international tourists, while prioritizing its safety and well-being.”
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