Canada is bringing back a requirement for everyone entering the country to have a pre-arrival negative molecular test for COVID-19.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said that requirement will return as of Tuesday, which is only about a month since Canada waived the need for a test for those taking short cross-border trips. Duclos adds those pre-arrival tests must be taken outside of Canada, which is a new rule.
Meanwhile, Canada's chief public health officer said the new COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading quickly worldwide. Dr. Theresa Tam said the number of cases in Canada is also growing and there's evidence of community spread.
Tam said omicron cases have been reported in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, as well as previously infected people. But she said being fully vaccinated and getting a booster is likely to provide a reasonable level of protection against infection and strong protection against severe illness.
Given the unpredictable global COVID situation, the government is also advising Canadians, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
