The Canadian government says 95 percent of land and air passengers use the ArriveCan app and is taking steps to improve compliance. Alex Filipe / Reuters
The federal government will extend current public health measures against COVID-19 for travelers entering Canada, including the use of the ArriveCan app, until at least September 30.
In a statement Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada also said it would continue to pause mandatory randomized tests for fully vaccinated passengers at all airports until mid-July.
It initially announced the break on June 11 and said in a statement that it allowed airports to focus on streamlining their operations.
The Public Health Agency said it was moving forward with plans to move testing for COVID-19 to air travelers outside airports to select stores, pharmacies or a virtual meeting.
Mandatory random testing is to continue at land border entry points without change.
The announcement added that passengers who were not fully vaccinated and did not have a valid exemption should continue to test on Day 1 and Day 8 of their 14-day quarantine.
“As we move on to the next phase of our response to COVID-19, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over. We must continue to do everything possible to protect ourselves and others from the virus, “said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos in a statement.
He also urged people to keep up with recommended vaccinations to ensure they are adequately protected against infection, transmission and severe complications.
“As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and reason.
All travelers will need to continue using the ArriveCan app or website to provide travel information within 72 hours of arriving in Canada or boarding a cruise ship destined for the country. The government said 95% of land and air passengers use the app and is taking steps to improve compliance.
The government also said moving relocations outside airports would allow Canada to adapt to the increased number of passengers, while being able to monitor and respond quickly to new emergencies or changes in the epidemiological situation.
It says border tests are essential to help Canada slow the spread of the virus, as test data is used to understand the current level and trends of COVID-19 imports into the country.
The testing program also allows the detection and identification of new dangerous variants of COVID-19, it said.
Tourist groups and mayors and MPs from border communities have called on the government to ease restrictions and remove the ArriveCan app, saying the measures restrict cross-border travel.
Transport Minister Randy Boasona said the government had invested heavily in growing the economy of visitors to Canada.
“From our reputation as a safe travel destination to our world-class attractions and wide open spaces, Canada has it all and we are ready to welcome local and international tourists again, while prioritizing their safety and well-being.
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