Close X
Monday, November 11, 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. finance minister to provide update

B.C. finance minister to provide update
Robinson reported in July that the deficit of $5.46 billion for the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended March 31 had come in nearly $3 billion lower than forecast.

B.C. finance minister to provide update

Shots fired at Surrey RCMP Officer

Shots fired at Surrey RCMP Officer
There is a road closure in effect on 82 Avenue between 128 Street and 124 Street. The roadway is expected to be closed for some time as the Integrated Forensic Identification Service collects evidence in the area.

Shots fired at Surrey RCMP Officer

820 COVID19 cases for Friday

820 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 5,850 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 165,027 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 281 individuals are in hospital and 135 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.    

820 COVID19 cases for Friday

Third COVID shot recommended for immunocompromised

Third COVID shot recommended for immunocompromised
Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the advice applies to people 12 and older whose immune systems are compromised for a variety of reasons like being treated for a tumour or having an untreated HIV infection that has advanced.

Third COVID shot recommended for immunocompromised

Surrey RCMP need the public's assistance in locating missing man Siasat Cheema

Surrey RCMP need the public's assistance in locating missing man Siasat Cheema
It is out of character for Siasat Cheema to be out of contact, and police and family are concerned for his well-being. Siasat Cheema is described as a 30 year old, South Asian man, 6 ft., 199 lbs., with black hair and a short beard. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.  

Surrey RCMP need the public's assistance in locating missing man Siasat Cheema

Debate: Leaders spar over climate, foreign policy

Debate: Leaders spar over climate, foreign policy
Right off the bat, the role of the moderator, Shachi Kurl, came under fire, with Blanchet taking umbrage at what he termed her suggestion that Quebec is racist.

Debate: Leaders spar over climate, foreign policy