Close X
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
ADVT 
National

Feds mull lifting COVID-19 travel measures

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Sep, 2022 05:31 PM
  • Feds mull lifting COVID-19 travel measures

OTTAWA - The federal Liberal cabinet is considering whether to renew COVID-19 vaccine mandates and mandatory random testing for travellers.

The current measures are set to expireon Sept. 30.

A senior government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters not made public says no decision has been made.

Under the soon-to-expire rules, foreign nationals are typically not allowed to travel to Canada unless they have completed a primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, unless they qualify for an exception.

Unvaccinated travellers who are allowed to enter Canada are subject to mandatory arrival tests and a 14-day quarantine.

Vaccinated travellers may also be selected for mandatory random testing -- a system that public health officials have used as an "early warning system" for new variants of the virus entering the country.

The government contracted companies to run off-site test clinics in an attempt to alleviate congestion at Canada's international airports.

The federal government has gradually scaled back COVID-19 travel restrictions over the course of the spring and summer, as booster shots became more widely available in Canada.

Cabinet "suspended" vaccine mandates for domestic travel in June, but Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc warned at the time COVID-19 vaccinations could become a requirement again if cases surged in the fall.

Public health officials and infectious disease experts have warned of a potentially large wave of new COVID-19 cases this month as students return to school.

But the Public Health Agency of Canada has also said the country is transitioning to a new, more sustainable phase of the pandemic.

The decision to renew the current restrictions or let them expire will be approved by federal cabinet ministers who are expected to meet in Ottawa early next week.

MORE National ARTICLES

Injured man located in running vehicle passes away in Surrey, traffic being re-routed: IHIT

Injured man located in running vehicle passes away in Surrey, traffic being re-routed: IHIT
On Tuesday morning at 9:25 a.m, Surrey RCMP,  received a reported of a person passed out in a running vehicle in the 8800-block of 127 Street. First responders arrived on scene and located an injured person who was unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man did not survive.  

Injured man located in running vehicle passes away in Surrey, traffic being re-routed: IHIT

Liberals table dental-care legislation

Liberals table dental-care legislation
If granted royal assent, Bill C-31 would provide qualifying families with children under the age of 12 with up to $650 per child each year to pay for dental care services. Families with a household income under $90,000 need to provide the Canada Revenue Agency with the name of their licensed dental-care practitioner and the month of the planned appointment.

Liberals table dental-care legislation

Canfor reducing production capacity in B.C.

Canfor reducing production capacity in B.C.
The lumber producer says it is taking a two-week curtailment starting Sept. 26 at the majority of its solid wood facilities in B.C. Production will resume with reduced operating schedules until the end of the year.

Canfor reducing production capacity in B.C.

Amber Alert cancelled for missing child

Amber Alert cancelled for missing child
A statement from Vancouver police says the three-year-old and his mother were found near Calgary early Tuesday. Police say the boy is now receiving care and his mother has been arrested.

Amber Alert cancelled for missing child

Sentencing hearing begins for Amanda Todd harasser

Sentencing hearing begins for Amanda Todd harasser
A B.C. Supreme Court jury convicted Aydin Coban last month of extortion, harassment, communication with a young person to commit a sexual offence and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Sentencing hearing begins for Amanda Todd harasser

Structure fire in Surrey lands 2 in hospital, road closures in effect

Structure fire in Surrey lands 2 in hospital, road closures in effect
At approximately 3:54 pm this afternoon, Surrey RCMP received a report of a structure fire in the 14800 block of 75a avenue. Upon arrival, police found the residence fully engulfed, and firefighters were hard at work trying to contain the fire. Police and fire crews are on scene. It is expected that traffic in the area will be disrupted for some time.

Structure fire in Surrey lands 2 in hospital, road closures in effect

PrevNext