Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Random COVID-19 testing resumes at 4 airports

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Jul, 2022 11:20 AM
  • Random COVID-19 testing resumes at 4 airports

TORONTO - Mandatory random COVID-19 testing resumed Tuesday for vaccinated travellers coming into Canada through four major airports.

But unlike in the past, the tests for select passengers landing in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal will be completed outside the airports, either through an in-person appointment or a virtual appointment for a self-swab test.

At Toronto's Pearson airport, some questioned the need for the random tests.

'"I don't think its necessary," said Sobia Sadiq, who arrived in Toronto from Houston, Texas, for a weeklong trip to visit her brother. "And if somebody has already traveled so far, and they unfortunately tested positive, then it's unfair to them."

Sadiq said she wasn't selected for a random test and noted that her travel experience had been smooth.

Kerry Carstairs, who arrived on a flight from Newark, N.J., for a business trip, also said she had a good experience at the airport, despite bracing for issues.

"I was impressed with the technology, so didn’t really have to talk to a soul … then, just went to the first customs official, they asked me a few questions, and I was off," she said, adding she was not selected for a random test.

Bill Mcdonald said he was off the plane and through customs in a "matter of minutes" after arriving in Toronto from Minneapolis, Minn., without being selected for a random test.

"It could've been time of day, not sure, but it was just perfect," he added.

Ottawa paused the random testing of vaccinated travellers entering Canada by air last month as it worked to move the actual testing process to locations outside of airports.

At the time, the federal government faced mounting criticism from tourism and air travel industry groups that felt public health restrictions were to blame for the chaos at Canadian airports.

The situation at Canadian airports has remained chaotic at times since testing was put on hold.

Deputy chief public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo has previously said random mandatory testing is an important part of Canada's strategy to detect new variants coming in to the country.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated must test on both the first and eighth days of their mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless exempt.

MORE National ARTICLES

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area
Police arrived within minutes of the call and located a female victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was given first aid at the scene and then transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan
The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced today that a charge of assault causing bodily harm has been approved against Surrey RCMP Cst. Jagjeet Bassan in connection with their involvement in an on-duty incident. 

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch
Officers observed that a small fire in the grass near the residence had been started and extinguished. The victim and the suspect are not known to each other and officers have been unable to determine a motive for the crime.    

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist
On June 19, 2021, Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a hit and run collision involving a vehicle and motorcycle at Canada Way and Imperial Street. The motorcyclist who was hit did not survive his injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision left the scene.

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect
It is alleged the same man chased several people while holding a knife and a machete, punched another man, then went back to the pedestrian and stabbed him on the neck and back.    

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP
At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, a Burnaby RCMP officer was seated in his parked police vehicle when he was approached by a teen making offensive gestures directed towards the officer.  The suspect did this repeatedly, in a blatant attempt to engage with the officer.

15 year old youth in custody after uttering threats and attempting to stab a police officer: Burnaby RCMP