Canada Extends International Travel Restrictions

In a move to limit the spread of COVID-19 the government of Canada on Sunday extends its restrictions for all travelers entering the country, except from the United States, until January 21.

Restrictions for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals arriving from the United States will continue until Dec. 21 and may be extended at that time, Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.

The restrictions, which were brought forward on March 16, ban most foreign nationals from entering Canada for non-essential travel.

There are a number of exceptions for immediate members of the family of citizens, essential workers, seasonal workers, caregivers, and international students.

The latest extension brings the timing of international travel restrictions in alignment with those governing the Canada-US land border.

Previously, international restrictions expired on the last day of every month while the Canada-US border restrictions expired on the 21st.

Both have been regularly extended since March.

“The government continues to evaluate the travel restrictions and prohibitions as well as the requirement to quarantine or isolate on an ongoing basis to make sure Canadians remain healthy and safe,” the minister said in the statement.

“The ability to align the US and international travel extension dates, also because the mandatory isolation order, beginning on January 21, 2021, will enable the govt to communicate any travel extensions or changes as quickly as possible and provide certainty for Canadians, the US, and international travelers.” Canada has so far reported a total of 3,70,278 Covid-19 cases and 12,032 deaths.

Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam on Sunday reiterated a stark warning she made the previous day, saying the country could see up to 10,000 cases a day in mid-December “if we continue on the current pace” of infection.

(With Inputs From IANS)

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