COVID-19 Update for January 6 – 2:00PM

Today Premier Doug Ford and federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau made separate announcements on additional measures to enhance COVID-19 protocols as it relates to air travel.

Voluntary COVID-19 Testing at Pearson Airport
Calling it a “game changer,” Premier Ford announced free and voluntary testing for all airline passengers landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport who are staying in Ontario for longer than two weeks.

Passengers who receive this voluntary test will still be required to quarantine for 14 days.

You can find the full announcement here.

New COVID-19 Testing Rules
The federal government officially announced implementation of new COVID-19 testing measures for all travellers entering Canada effective tomorrow (January 7). All passengers returning or coming to Canada must receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72-hours of arrival to be permitted entry into the country.

This new measure applies to all passengers over the age of five, including Canadians citizens. Acquiring a negative COVID-19 test will not replace the mandatory 14 day quarantine period.

Originally announced in late December, you can read the details here.