Travellers from China to Canada will require proof of negative COVID-19 test as cases surge - Action News
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Travellers from China to Canada will require proof of negative COVID-19 test as cases surge

The federal government will require travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong or Macao to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test before their departure.

PHAC says health measure tied to surge in cases, lack of data

Canada to require COVID-19 test for travellers from China

2 years ago
Duration 3:38
Starting on Thursday, travellers coming to Canada from China will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country as China copes with an explosion of COVID-19 cases.

Starting Jan. 5, the federal government will require air travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong or Macao to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken before their departure.

The temporary health measures, in place for 30 days, are a reaction to a surge in the virus in China and the limited epidemiological and other data available, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced Saturday.

The tests must be taken no more than two days before departure and can be either a negative molecular or an antigen test withdocumentation showing it was overseen by a telehealth service, accredited laboratory or testing provider.

Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days but not exceeding 90 days before their departure can provide the airlinethat documentation in lieu of a negative result.

China has been accused of not being forthcoming about the virus since it first surfaced with many worried the country stillisn't sharing data on evolving strains that could lead to new outbreaks.

Travellers transit through Torontos Pearson airport. On Dec. 31, the federal government announced it will require travellers coming from China to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before their departure. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

The U.S., Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Italy have also announced testing requirements.

Canada's temporary requirement will be in place for all travellers agetwo and older, regardless of nationality and vaccination status.

After 30 days, the measures will be reassessed as more data and evidence emerges, according to PHAC.