Close X
Sunday, September 22, 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

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services
Sheila Malcolmson, the province's minister of mental health and addictions, says the program will include 65 new or improved services, about 130 more staff and 195 new substance-use treatment beds.

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit municipal coffers hard as cities have watched transit ridership drop along with fare revenue. At the same time, cities have seen expenses rise, leading to budget holes that mayors have repeatedly sought federal cash to fill.    

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid

Canadians welcome U.S. land border reopening

Canadians welcome U.S. land border reopening
Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents have been allowed back into Canada since August, provided they have waited at least 14 days since getting a full course of a Health Canada-approved vaccine and can show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Canadians welcome U.S. land border reopening

Canada's methane reduction target nearly doubles

Canada's methane reduction target nearly doubles
The United States and Europe are pushing a Global Methane Pledge asking other governments to commit to cutting total methane emissions 30 per cent by 2030.    

Canada's methane reduction target nearly doubles

TSB releasing report on wildfire in Lytton, B.C.

TSB releasing report on wildfire in Lytton, B.C.
The board says it will hold a news conference Thursday after the publication of its report with the results of the investigation. The fire raced through the town on June 30, days after a record-setting heat at the end of June.

TSB releasing report on wildfire in Lytton, B.C.

Canadians say Facebook harms mental health: poll

Canadians say Facebook harms mental health: poll
The vast majority also agreed that Facebook amplifies hate speech, helps spread fake news, damages individuals' mental health and poses a risk to children and teenagers.

Canadians say Facebook harms mental health: poll