Government eases some COVID-19 travel measures, but not masking on planes
CBC
The federal government is winding down some COVID-19 border measures for travellers arriving in Canada — but top public health officials said the government isn't budging when it comes to masking on planes and vaccine mandates for domestic travel.
In a news release Friday, the government announced public health measures will be eased for some eligible travellers starting Monday, April 25.
Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry, and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged five to 11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian will no longer have to undergo a COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.
"The health and safety of Canadians remains our top priority and as vaccination levels and health care system capacity improve, we will continue to consider further easing of measures at the borders based on science," Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in the release.
A number of other measures will also be eliminated next week. The government will no longer require fully-vaccinated travellers to mask in public spaces for 14 days following arrival, or to maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
But while the government is pulling back on some measures, it's standing firm on others, such as mandatory masking on planes and trains.
"Although some restrictions may be easing, air and rail travellers are reminded that they are still required to wear a mask throughout their travel journey," Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in the release.
"Wearing a mask offers an extra layer of protection for you and your fellow travellers, and will help keep Canadians, workers and our transportation system safe."
WATCH | Public health officials say mask mandates will stay in place for travel
In a COVID-19 update Friday, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said she approves of maintaining the masking requirement for planes — at least for now.
While masks may be inconvenient, she said, they're an additional layer of protection while travelling and do not restrict travel.
"If you're going to be travelling with people in a certain environment, I think it is prudent to continue to require wearing a mask," she said.
"So I think it's one of the least intrusive measures, but adds, definitely, another layer of protection."
The government also has no plans to end vaccine mandates for travellers.
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