Feds to scrap testing requirements for shorter U.S. trips

The federal government announced future changes to COVID-19 testing rules at the border on Friday, that aim to make shorter trips to the United States a lot easier, and cheaper.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos confirmed as of Nov. 30, for trips to the U.S. that are less than 72 hours, fully vaccinated Canadians will no longer need to show proof of a negative PCR test at the border to re-enter Canada.

The change will apply to trips made by land border and air travel.

However, for any trips longer than three days, and all trips for non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents, a negative test is still required.

“This new rule does not apply to foreign nationals,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendocino. “Including international students and foreign workers residing in Canada.”

RELATED: Crossing the Canada-U.S. border? Here’s where you can get your COVID-19 test

Mendocino also adds that travellers who falsify information about their vaccination status or length of trip will face serious consequences.

“Providing false information to a government of Canada official upon entry is a serious offence and may result in severe penalties, or even criminal charges.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada also says that by the end of the month, travellers who received the Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes.

The agency also says that as of Jan. 15, it is closing certain loopholes in the vaccination requirement for travellers, including for international students, athletes, work permit holders and essential service providers, including truck drivers.

Canada’s border policy for short trips has been heavily criticized as lacking in public health value. People can get tested in Canada, cross into the U.S. for up to 72 hours, and then show the results of the Canadian test upon their return.

Critics, including business leaders, Canadian and international politicians, members of the tourism industry and travellers have complained the requirement is expensive, cumbersome and redundant. PCR tests can cost individuals up to $300.

Business and tourism groups say the changes are a step in the right direction — but still not good enough.

“For fully vaccinated travellers coming into Canada, we need to see that PCR test go away for everyone,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

The U.S. has already dropped the testing requirement for travel into that country by land. It reopened its land border to non-essential travel by fully vaccinated Canadians on Nov. 8.

In October, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said there was still evidence some people coming into Canada are testing positive for COVID-19 — even though they had been fully vaccinated against the virus.

Ontario’s chief medical officer of health cautioned those looking to make a weekend trip, saying a risk assessment is necessary depending on where they plan to travel.

“The risk as soon as you leave is higher than what we are experiencing in Ontario,” said Moore on Thursday, speaking of higher infection rates in most U.S. states. “If you are ready to take that risk on, please go ahead. Make sure you are taking all appropriate precautions.”

Moore urges anyone who does cross the border to ensure they regularly wear masks and wash their hands. He added that anyone returning with any COVID symptoms should seek a test.

Travel vaccination and quarantine rules for five to 11-year-olds are not changing at the moment. But the government says they could be amended in the months ahead.

The federal government also announced that Health Canada authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children on Friday.

With files from the Canadian Press and Hana Mae Nassar of CityNews