Several airlines raise concerns over Canada’s new Covid-19 testing rules

Several airlines and air travellers have raised concerns over the new coronavirus test rules imposed on passengers coming to Canada.

Late last month, Canada Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced new measures to further contain the spread of Covid-19 and the new strain into the country and help safeguard the health of Canadian citizens.

According to the new regulations, all passengers five years of age or older are required to test negative for Covid-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.

In addition, a Covid-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be taken within 72 hours before scheduled departure.

It also mandatory for all passengers to undergo a 14-day quarantine, irrespective of the test results.

Canada National Airlines Council chief executive Mike McNaney said: “With less than a week to implement, we do not have the interim orders in writing – it’s from the interim orders that you base your operations and obligations.

“We’re very concerned about the confusion that’s going to occur and the disjointedness of implementation that’s going occur. And it all could have been avoided.”

The rule will be effective from 7 January for all travellers.

The minister noted that airlines, both foreign and domestic, will have sufficient time to adhere to the new rule. Non-compliance to the new measures are expected to result in prison and fines.