Travelers arriving by plane to Canada will have to comply with a quarantine in a hotel from February 22 while awaiting the results of their coronavirus tests, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday.
Trudeau had previously announced that in response to newer variants of the virus, which appear to be more contagious, tighter restrictions would be placed on those who take non-essential air travel.
Authorities have confirmed that, with few exceptions, those taking non-essential air travel should book three-night accommodation in a self-paid hotel licensed by the Canadian government before traveling to Canada,
Those crossing the border into the United States by land will not have to isolate themselves in a hotel, but they will have to show a negative result on a diagnostic test which will have been carried out no more than three days before their departure. arrival, and they will be subjected to further testing both upon arrival and at the end of a 14-day quarantine at home or elsewhere.
Public Health Minister Bill Blair said less than 5% of those crossing the border do so on non-essential travel, a reason why a hotel stay is not required for those arriving by land.
The measures particularly affect Canadians who winter outside the country and return home in the spring.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Canadians who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus are not exempt, as studies have not yet determined whether or not those vaccinated can continue to infect others with the virus. .
Some Canadians get vaccinated in Florida and Arizona.
Trudeau said the results of a test could take up to three days, and had previously noted that the cost of a hotel stay for those traveling by air would be around C $ 2,000 (1,576 U.S. dollars). The cost of hotel accommodation includes expenses for security, food and the measures that hotels must take for the safety of their employees.
Travelers would then isolate themselves at home or elsewhere if the test is negative. Canada is demanding in advance that those arriving in the country serve a 14-day quarantine and banning non-essential travel within the country.
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