Over 75% of Canadians may need to be vaccinated before Canada-U.S. border can be opened
It looks like we may be facing several more months of Canada-U.S. border restrictions. At a press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau suggested that the border restrictions would not be lifted until at least 75% of Canadians are vaccinated against Covid-19.
“We continue to work very closely with American authorities and Canadian experts on how we can move forward in a way that is safe for Canadians. We know we’re not yet out of this third wave and we know there are still real concerns around transmission of the virus. But we will continue to work with our partners and hopefully get to a better place, when the time is appropriate. We’re all eager to get back to normal but we know that before we get back to normal, cases need to be under control, and over 75% of people need to be vaccinated for us to start loosening things in Canada. We’ll see what framework we apply to ensure we’re keeping Canadians safe, even as we look to eventually changing the restrictions and the posture at the border,” said Trudeau.
Early in the news conference, Trudeau spoke of a “one-dose summer and a two-dose fall,” and suggested that the same 75% target would also be the key to Canadian life finally starting to return to normal. Trudeau said that “Once cases are low, and at least 75% of people have had one dose and 20% have had a second dose, we can start to look forward to outdoor things like a small get together in the backyard, going hiking, enjoying a meal on patio. This fall, once three quarters of eligible Canadians are fully vaccinated, we will be able to do more of the indoor things we miss, whether that's watching sports in person or a dinner party in a restaurant. That's what a one dose summer and a two-dose fall means for you and your family. We worry less and see each other more.”
Over 75% of Canadians may need to be vaccinated before Canada-U.S. border can be opened
Trudeau’s comments suggest that it could be several more months before the Canada-U.S. border reopens. The borders have already been closed for more than 14 months and today Trudeau tweeted that the border closure has been extended for another month until June 21.
Canada also shows no signs of ending its strict quarantine rules for international travelers entering Canada on flights. Measures include getting a negative Covid test and a minimum three day stay in a quarantine hotel. In February new strict mandatory COVID-19 testing for all travelers entering Canada by air was introduced. The Canadian government also introduced a mandatory stay in a quarantine hotel until a traveler receives a negative test result.
As of February 21, travellers, unless exempted, have been required to:
- “reserve a government-authorized hotel for 3 nights prior to departure to Canada
- take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada
- stay in the government-authorized hotel while awaiting the results of the COVID-19 molecular test taken on arrival
- pay for the cost of the hotel stay, as well as all associated costs for:
- food
- security
- transportation
- infection prevention and control measures
Over 75% of Canadians may need to be vaccinated before Canada-U.S. border can be opened
Travellers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN”. Read more on the government website.
Travellers will still be required to complete the remainder of the mandatory 14-day quarantine after their mandatory hotel stopover. According to the government of Canada’s website, “When you arrive in Canada by air, land or sea…you must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including:
- a place to stay
- how you’ll
- get to your destination
- get your groceries
- access essential services and medical care
This plan is mandatory. Border service agents will determine who can enter the country.
