National

Pricey COVID-19 test at border called 'irrational'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Nov, 2021 10:04 AM

OTTAWA - The head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says it's "irrational" for Canada to require fully vaccinated travellers to complete an expensive COVID-19 test before crossing the border.

All travellers over the age of five, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test in order to enter the country.

It can cost between $150 and $300, making it prohibitively expensive for many families.

Perrin Beatty, president of the business group, says the test requirement does not appear to be based on science, and is redundant for fully vaccinated travellers.

The latest figures from the Public Health Agency of Canada show that of all COVID-19 tests completed at the border on vaccinated travellers between Aug. 9 and Oct. 21, only 0.18 per cent were positive.

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers, 0.91 per cent were positive.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Police investigate hateful graffiti at Sikh Gurdwara

Sometime between 9 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, and 7 a.m., the next morning, two hateful phrases were painted on roads outside the temple with arrows pointing towards the building. The Gurdwara is located at 739 81 St S.W., and the two painted phrases were found along 81 Street and Old Banff Coach Road S.W.

Police investigate hateful graffiti at Sikh Gurdwara

Think about keeping hybrid House, says Singh

The NDP leader said Wednesday that MPs should consider keeping a flexible format — allowing some MPs to participate virtually in parliamentary proceedings if they need to — after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Think about keeping hybrid House, says Singh

Cargo ship near Victoria lost 106 containers

It says the owner of the MV Zim Kingston provided information showing 2,000 containers were on board with 1,000 on deck when two caught fire and others fell overboard as the ship approached Vancouver last week.

Cargo ship near Victoria lost 106 containers

Modelling group says cases declining in B.C.

The experts in epidemiology, mathematics and data analysis from three universities in B.C. and the private sector say that age group had half the case rate earlier this year relative to those who are older, but that risk may rise.

Modelling group says cases declining in B.C.

Multiple victims in Faro shooting: Yukon premier

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver says there were multiple victims after the RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter Tuesday in the town of Faro but there is no longer a safety threat to the community.

Multiple victims in Faro shooting: Yukon premier

O'Toole faces caucus as vaccine issue looms

The issue is top of mind as an all-party committee decided last week that members of Parliament will need to be double vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption to take their seat in the House of Commons.