Close X
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Pricey COVID-19 test at border called 'irrational'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Nov, 2021 10:04 AM
  • Pricey COVID-19 test at border called 'irrational'

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.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Privacy must guide vaccine passports: watchdogs

Privacy must guide vaccine passports: watchdogs
Canada's privacy commissioners say respect for laws and principles governing personal information must guide introduction of proof-of-vaccination certificates that could smooth the transition to post-pandemic life.

Privacy must guide vaccine passports: watchdogs

Construction thefts spike in Vancouver: police

Construction thefts spike in Vancouver: police
Vancouver police say the department has seen a "significant increase" in break and enters at construction sites this year. Sgt. Steve Addison says in many cases the thieves have made off with thousands of dollars' worth of plywood and other building materials.

Construction thefts spike in Vancouver: police

More restrictions lifting as COVID infections slow

More restrictions lifting as COVID infections slow
Dr. David Williams said daily COVID-19 rates, hospital and intensive care admissions appeared to be trending downward, and some hospitals now had capacity to resume cancelled procedures.

More restrictions lifting as COVID infections slow

U.S. border agency says COVID vax not essential

U.S. border agency says COVID vax not essential
Canadians attempting to drive across the American border solely for a COVID-19 vaccination, even with a doctor's referral, would be denied entry, the U.S. border agency said on Wednesday. Unlike the Canadian government, Customs and Border Protection said it does not consider a vaccine essential for entry purposes.

U.S. border agency says COVID vax not essential

NDP plan to slash student debt would cost $4B: PBO

NDP plan to slash student debt would cost $4B: PBO
The New Democrats' campaign-style pledge this spring promised to cancel up to $20,000 in tuition, freeze loan payments through July 2022 and scrap interest payments, among other measures.

NDP plan to slash student debt would cost $4B: PBO

Parks Canada adapts to COVID-19 as camping starts

Parks Canada adapts to COVID-19 as camping starts
Parks have brought in some of their own measures as well to try to keep campers safe while enjoying the outdoors. "There will be, in different parks, different kinds of services," Wilkinson said.

Parks Canada adapts to COVID-19 as camping starts