Alberta’s New COVID-19 Testing Initiative for International Travelers
A new pilot initiative aimed at easing the strict mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement will see returning Canadian residents and foreign nationals who are permitted to enter the country offered a new COVID-19 testing option in Alberta.
Canada has been enforcing a strict quarantine for returning residents, accompanied by travel rules that have effectively barred tourists from entering the country. Furthermore, an ongoing border closure with the neighboring US has compounded the challenges faced by travelers. This innovative scheme aims to explore the feasibility of using a rigorous testing and monitoring program as a strategy to reduce the mandatory quarantine period while keeping Canadians safe.
Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney, announced that the virus-testing option will be offered at the Coutts land border crossing in southern Alberta and at Calgary International Airport starting November 2. The voluntary screening will be available for foreign essential workers exempt from the current federal travel ban, as well as Canadian citizens returning to Alberta.
Travelers who participate will receive a COVID-19 test upon entry into Canada before proceeding into the required quarantine period. Consequently, once the test comes back negative, they will be permitted to leave their place of quarantine, provided they commit to undergoing a second test on day six or seven after arrival at a participating community pharmacy.
Additionally, participants will be expected to follow enhanced preventive health measures, such as wearing masks in public areas and avoiding contact with high-risk groups.
Those who opt not to participate in the pilot will continue to adhere to the legal requirement to quarantine for 14 days after entering the country. “We are excited to launch this bold new pilot project to look at ways to reduce quarantine periods while protecting the health of Albertans,” said Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s minister of health. “Safety is our top priority. All participating travelers will be closely monitored to ensure that the pilot does not result in any increased risk of exposure for Albertans.”
