Canada to drop COVID-19 border and quarantine restrictions, mask mandate to lift

The federal government has just issued a statement that all COVID-19 measured at the borders will be dropped effective October 1st, 2022. 

Travellers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination when entering Canada, or wear masks on public transportation such as planes and trains. 

In addition, all travellers will no longer have to submit any public health information through ArriveCAN, undergo pre or on arrival COVID-19 testing, carryout COVID-19 related quarantine, or monitor their COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to Canada.

Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health of Canada, stated that this decision is not a sign that Canada is free from the pandemic, however recent government data has shown that the new variants are no longer having an effect on the virus due to its evolved nature. 

“If anybody believes the pandemic is over, I invite them to visit a hospital.” Duclos said during this morning’s press release. He stated that our energy must now be focused on our health care workers, hospitals, and patients who have had to wait years for treatments and surgeries. 

Masks will soon no longer be mandatory, however they are still recommended to be worn in large public spaces, and on public transportation. Dr. Howard Njoo, the deputy chief health officer of Canada has hopes that Canadians will make an enlightened decision regarding the lift of the mandates. 

For more information: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/arrivecan-border-covid-end-1.6595710