It's a real event in Canada. Since 2 November, some international passengers are exempt from the 14-day mandatory containment requirement on Canadian territory. Admittedly, for the moment this measure only applies to theCalgary International Airport (Alberta). However, this is a first step towards a possible standardisation of entry conditions into the country.
Calgary Airport Authority has joined forces with the governments of the Province of Alberta and Canada in a pilot screening programme. The measure applies to Canadians arriving from abroad, as well as to the few international travellers authorised to come.
The only duty is to carry out a immediate test on arrival, with results within 48 hours. If it proves negative, the 14-day quarantine is waived. A However, a second test must be carried out six or seven days after arrival in the country..
" This pilot screening trial is vital for our airport and our airline partners. Tests instil confidence in air travel "said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority.
Screening is easy at Calgary airport due to the low volume of international passengers. Out of a total of 18 million passengers in 2019, 3.5 million came from transborder traffic with the United States and 1.92 million from the rest of the world. This year, Calgary is expecting traffic of just under six million passengers - equivalent to the volume in 1995. A drop of 68% compared with 2019.
The project will last 26 weeks, until the beginning of May, and could be extended to other border points. A second international airport, Edmontonshould also be included in this pilot project early 2021.
ArriveCAN, a compulsory application for travellers
In addition, Canadian health authorities are now asking all international passengers to provide a range of information before flying to Canada.
From 21 November, through the ArriveCAN applicationAll travellers must provide a quarantine plan and information on contacts, movements and a self-assessment of symptoms to covid. Travellers should be able to provide their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer. Failure to comply will result in a fine of 1,000 C$.
On site, travellers must confirm their place of confinement within 48 hours following their arrival in Canada. They are then required to complete a daily covid symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.
As a small consolation, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver airports are introducing faster queues reserved for ArriveCAN users.
