PHAC advice behind feds' decision to keep requiring negative tests to enter Canada: Blair

 

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says the government will continue to require travellers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon entry into the country so long as the Public Health Agency of Canada advocates for it.

In an interview on CTV’s Question Period airing Sunday, Blair said the federal government is at the same time looking at how effective double vaccination is at mitigating spread.

“[Double vaccination] is also demonstrating for us, a very significant reduction in the risk that’s presented at our borders. We've seen throughout the pandemic that advice has evolved as new evidence and new data is available. We'll continue to follow the advice in the Public Health Agency Canada,” he said.

His comments come after news Friday that the U.S. will reopen its land borders to non-essential fully vaccinated travellers on Nov. 8, but will not require proof of a negative PCR molecular test to enter.

U.S. air travel rules do stipulate that travellers must show a negative test taken no more than three days before departure.

Blair said keeping the policy in place is not a signal that the government is trying to discourage travel.

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