The federal government continues to tighten border crossings to help keep COVID variants out of our country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says as of Monday, February 15 anyone who arrives at a Canadian land border on non-essential travel, including Snowbirds, will be required to show a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours.
The government began requiring all people arriving in Canada by air to show a negative PCR-based test in early January.
Trudeau says returning Canadians without a negative test won’t be refused entry because they are already on Canadian territory.
“What we can do is in cases of no test to show, apply a stiff penalty, a fine, and demand and ensure a rapid and complete follow-up.”
Trudeau says they will ensure that returning residents are getting tested, properly quarantined, and not putting other Canadians at risk.
Fines can reach as high as $3,000.
Trudeau believes a vast majority of people are going to do what is needed and get a test so they can return home for their quarantine period.
Trudeau says a new measure will be implemented in the next couple of days requiring all air travellers returning from non-essential trips abroad to self-isolate in a federally approved hotel for three days at their own expense.
