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

Man accused in killing of London, Ont., family told cab driver to call police

Hasan Savehilaghi, president of Yellow London Taxi, said one the company's drivers was having a cigarette and a coffee next to his car in an empty strip mall parking lot on Sunday night when a black pickup truck came screeching to a halt directly behind his vehicle.

Man accused in killing of London, Ont., family told cab driver to call police

COVID-19 shot in Manitoba could be worth $100K

Manitobans who get a COVID-19 vaccine could also get a six-figure cash injection in their wallets. The provincial government is offering cash prizes of $100,000 and $25,000 scholarships in an effort to persuade more people to geta shot.

COVID-19 shot in Manitoba could be worth $100K

Another 13 arrests at B.C. anti-logging blockades

The RCMP began enforcing a British Columbia court injunction ordering the removal of blockades and protesters at several sites on May 17. Of those arrested Monday at an encampment area near Port Renfrew, 11 have been charged with breaching the injunction, and two for obstruction.

Another 13 arrests at B.C. anti-logging blockades

Recognize residential schools as genocide: NDP

New Democrats are calling on the federal government to recognize what happened at residential schools as genocide.

Recognize residential schools as genocide: NDP

Some border measures to ease; more vaccine coming

Starting early next month, the travellers who have received shots at least 14 days before coming will still have to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, and have to stay in isolation until the test comes back negative. The government also said 7 million doses of Moderna were slated to arrive this month, with initial shipments starting next week.

Some border measures to ease; more vaccine coming

Feds target Muslim charities: civil society group

A newly released report by the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group says the Review and Analysis Division of the revenue agency's charities directorate works with national security agencies to carry out the audits, with little accountability or independent review.