The largest export market in the United States is heading to end excessive entry restrictions as the pandemic ends in the country.
Canadian officials have moved to end all coronavirus entry restrictions as well as testing, quarantine and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, starting October 1.
The country’s public health agency said several factors influenced the decision. Modeling showing that Canada has largely passed the peak of omicron infection included Canada’s high vaccination rates, and the availability of booster vaccines and treatments for this disease.
“Thanks to Canadians who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, we have reached the point where we can safely lift health measures at the border,” Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement.
Under the new rules, travelers will not have to provide public health information through the ArriveCAN app, provide proof of vaccination, undergo pre-arrival or on-arrival testing, or perform any quarantine or isolation.
In addition, they will not have to wear masks while traveling, although travelers are still strongly advised to wear high-quality, well-groomed masks during their flights.
More than 83% of Canadians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 68.3% in the United States
The country has faced campaigns similar to those in the United States objecting to vaccines. Demonstrators occupied the streets in the nation’s capital with parked trucks for several weeks last winter to protest vaccine requirements that require drivers arriving from the United States to be vaccinated.
The United States lifted restrictions on entry for the virus earlier this year.
Canada is the largest export market for the United States, based on data collected by the World Bank.
