BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) "We're looking at a change at the border. An announcement is coming any day," said Immigration attorney Jamie Fiegel of Fiegel, Carr and Joyce.
The change would see the Covid testing requirement lifted for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents returning to Canada for trips of 72 hours or less. It's unclear right now what impact this would have on Americans entering Canada.
The Canadian government has been facing mounting pressure to do away with the testing requirement because the test could be completed in Canada before the trip takes place. That same test could be presented at the border upon return into Canada.
"It's nonsensical," said Fiegel. "If you contracted the virus during your visit to the U.S., if wouldn't matter, because you were presenting a test taken before the trip," she said.
Canada's Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam has indicated the requirement is being reviewed. Sunday, Nov. 21, is the next time at which Canadian officials update or renew border requirements.
"This is going to be huge," said Fiegel. "This will allow Canadians to come over for day trips, gas, groceries, shopping and Sabres games."
This also affects professional athletes. "This has been a huge issue," said Fiegel. "There are so many professional athletes that go back and forth between Canada and the U.S. They are all subject to the Covid test right now. That will be a big relief."
Fiegel believes this affects the majority of people as most trips across the border are 72 hours or less.
These days, life on the Canadian side is very different from life on the American side. "There are still mask mandates everywhere in Canada," added Fiegel. "If you want to go to a restaurant, you are met at the door and asked for ID and proof of vaccination. It's not just restaurants. Mask mandates and proof of vaccination are required just about everywhere you go."
