RESTRICTIONS BEGIN TO EASE AT CANADA-U.S. BORDER.
As of midnight Sunday night, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from having to quarantine for 14 days when they return to Canada. Here are five things to know about the easing of restrictions at the U.s./canada border.
1 THE WELCOME SIGN IS STILL NOT OUT
Only Canadians, permanent residents, essential workers and those with permission are able to cross the border. “I think we can expect, certainly in the early days, individuals believing that, you know, July 5 is here, Canada is now open for tourism, recreation and things of that nature. That is not the case,” said Denis Vinette, vice-president of Canada Border Services Agency.
2 TEST ON ARRIVAL
The exemption from quarantining only applies to eligible travellers who have gone 14 days since receiving two doses of vaccine. They will also have to be tested upon arrival.
3 USE OF APP REQUIRED
Travellers have to use the government's Arrivecan app or online service prior to departure to log their proof of vaccination, as well as the results of a negative COVID-19 test conducted no more than three days before their arrival.
The Arrivecan portal can be accessed either via the Apple or Android app or online via the federal government's website at canada.ca. Travellers are required to use the latest version of the app, which was updated when the regulations changed.
4 TRUDEAU HAPPY TO BE MOVING FORWARD
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he's confident the border agency has the tools and the personnel required to deal with the changes. “I think it's really important that we are moving forward on allowing people who are currently allowed to come into Canada … to be able to do so and not have to quarantine anymore, because
they're double-vaccinated,” he said. “For others, we will be looking at how this works before we open up to next steps.”
5 JULY 21 COULD BRING MORE CHANGES
The mutual travel restrictions that prohibit all discretionary travel between Canada and the U.S. while continuing to allow the movement of trade, essential workers and international students are due to expire July 21. It's too soon to say how the rules might evolve by then, Trudeau said.