Ottawa nixing molecular COVID test requirement for Canadians taking short trips abroad: sources – CBC

Sources say the change would affect trips lasting less than 72 hours

Nov 17, 2021

Fully vaccinated Canadians taking short trips abroad will soon no longer need proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test to return home, say sources.

The sources — who spoke on the condition they not be named because they aren’t authorized to speak on the record — said the government is only dropping the testing requirement for Canadians and permanent residents for trips lasting less than 72 hours.

Molecular tests, like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, will still be required for trips longer than 72 hours.

“We are looking at making steps to loosen up requirements while at the same time keeping Canadians safe,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday evening. “We will have an announcement to make in the coming days.”

The change is expected to come into effect at the end of the month as cross-border shopping picks up before the holidays.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pcr-test-drop-72-hours-1.6252039