Canada is going to lift all their COVID-19 travel restrictions for international travellers, including mandatory masks on trains and planes, and vaccinations from October 1st. The health minister of Canada Jean-Yves Duclos announced this news on Monday. Foreign arrivals will no longer have to present vaccination proofs or go for a test on arrival. With the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, Canada aims to boost tourism.
The government will also no longer conduct pre-boarding inspections on cruise ships. Also, travellers regardless of citizenship will no longer have to submit health details via the ArriveCAN app. The quarantine policy for incoming travellers will also be abolished.
For domestic travellers, Canada already suspended vaccination requirements in June.
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Why Canada Government Lifted Up All Travel Restrictions?
The Canadian government took this decision because of an increase in vaccination rates, the availability of vaccines, and new treatments. In fact, over 90% of Canadians above the age of 12 have received the first batch of the COVID vaccine. This week, the country also approved its first Omicron-responsive vaccine. And, Canada has also passed the peak of Omicron infections.
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Plus, the aviation industry is also in favour of easing the restrictions because that will undoubtedly, help them grow.
Transport Minister Omar Al-Ghabra said: “We can do this because millions of Canadians have rolled up their sleeves and are vaccinated.
The Country May Reintroduce Restrictions
The health minister Duclos told reporters in Ottawa that they are ready to reintroduce the restrictions if necessary.
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However, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are expected to rise during the colder months. So vaccination against COVID-19, including boosters, and individual public health measures to stay healthy are very important. The Canadian government encourages its citizens to stay up-to-date on countermeasures.
News Source: Hindustan Times
Cover image courtesy: Unsplash