For the fifteenth month in a row, the border between the U.S. and Canada will remain closed for another month.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had discussions about the potential of reopening the border back on June 13. However the two governments agreed that it’s not yet a good time.
With that, Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced via Twitter on June 18th that U.S.-Canadian border restrictions would remain in effect for at least another month.
As we have said, the government is planning measures for fully vaccinated Canadians, Permanent Residents, and others who are currently permitted to enter Canada and will provide further details on Monday, June 21.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) June 18, 2021
As disappointing as that is, the news out of Canada isn’t 100% bad. In fact, there’s some happy news on the horizon in terms of travel.
As Blair hinted on June 18th, the Trudeau administration announced on June 21st that as of July 5, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will no longer have to automatically undergo 14-day quarantine or stay at quarantine hotels.
“Fully vaccinated” means those who have received a full series of a vaccine, or a combination of vaccines that have been authorized by the Health Canada arm of the government. Those include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Johnson & Johnson – they need to have been taken at least 14 days before entering the country, the government said.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Canadian travelers will still have to undergo a COVID test before their departure, as well as when they arrive back in Canada. However those who are fully vaccinated also won’t have to go through a home COVID-19 test eight days after entering the country.
Those who’ve only had one vaccine dose or no inoculations will still need to book a quarantine hotel for three days while waiting for their test results. If they’re negative, they’re free to go home or to a private residence and finish the rest of their 14-day quarantine there.
Also, because they’re not yet eligible for vaccines, children 12 and under will still have to quarantine with their parents for 14 days when they return to Canada, Hajdu said.
“The cautious adjustments announced today are only possible because of the tremendous efforts of Canadians, and additional ones will only happen if we continue to protect each other,” said Haidu. “Thank you to all those who have stepped up to get their first and second dose. If you haven’t, get vaccinated when it’s your turn, follow up for your second dose, and continue to follow public health measures.
“We’re vaccinating faster than we originally anticipated. But we also know that with the Delta variant posing significant challenges … we need to be very cautious,” the health minister continued.
It’s disappointing that foreigners – even fully vaccinated ones – still can’t visit Canada. However it’s heartening that Canadians can leave and come back without having to quarantine anymore, assuming they’ve gotten their full series of COVID shots.
Feature Photo: Chris Connelly / flickr
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
