Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Canadian government Friday announced PCR tests will no longer be necessary for Canadian citizens returning to Canada following a trip to the US of 72 hours or less.
There was no mention of changes for Americans heading to Canada.
Starting Nov. 30, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, taking trips outside of the country for 72 hours or less, will no longer require PCR tests to re-enter the country. This includes trips by land and by air. "We will be re-evaluating the requirements for American citizens coming to Canada and we will make any announcements at a later date," says Canadian Health Minister Yves Duclos.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Health Officer of Canada, says an American can stay in Canada for up to six months. "There is no way we can follow them on the length of their trip, so it's about working out operational considerations," in explaining why no announcement has been made for US citizens entering Canada.
"For Canadians, we have systems in place to track in terms of someone leaving Canada and coming back, but we are looking at a phased approach to reducing those measures."
Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo says it's not about nationality, but about epidemiology. "We're closely watching the epidemiology study in both the US and Canada as well as the world," says Njoo.
"Talking about Americans coming to Canada in general, you can see there are still hot spots in the US, and we have no idea what any given individual has been doing or what situation they're coming from, so we're looking at it carefully."
Congressman Brian Higgins was not surprised the changes didn't go as far as removing the PCR requirement for US citizens. Arriving back from Washington Friday, Higgins told WBEN the action coincides with the guidance he heard from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month.
"Of course we welcome action that removes obstacles to cross border travel for those fully vaccinated, but changes from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, have come at a frustratingly slow pace, in a disjointed manner, and with puzzling reasoning that doesn't follow the science," Higgins said.
"The public is again left confused and waiting for more information. The same standard should be applied to all vaccinated travelers regardless of which side of the border you are crossing into or where you live."
