Southwestern Ontario border mayors, groups call for end to COVID-19 testing at land crossings – CBC

PCR tests to enter Canada no longer needed as of Feb. 28, but rapid antigen tests still required

Feb 25, 2022

Mayors of southwestern Ontario border cities, along with a U.S. counterpart, and tourism groups are calling on Ottawa to end any COVID-19 testing at land border crossings.

Mayors of Windsor, Niagara Falls and Sarnia in Ontario and Niagara Falls, N.Y, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and the Hotel Association of Canada held a news conference Friday underlining the economic losses due to the border testing “barrier.”

Last week, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced travellers entering Canada will no longer have to take a pre-arrival molecular test (such as a PCR) as of Feb. 28. Travellers are still required to take a pre-arrival test, but can opt for an authorized rapid antigen test (typically a cheaper option) that must be taken no more than one day before their scheduled arrival at the land border.

“The practicality of the loosening of this restriction really means nothing to the average traveller,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said during Friday’s news conference.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/border-mayors-want-testing-dropped-1.6364068