COVID-19: Additional health measures enacted

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has enacted more stringent COVID-19 testing requirements and expanded the number of countries subject to an entry ban due to the Omicron variant.

Key Points:

• Air travelers who are entering Canada, except for those from the U.S., must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
  • Vaccinated air travelers coming from countries other than the U.S. must quarantine at home until they receive their test results.
  • Unvaccinated travelers who are allowed to enter Canada must be tested on arrival and day eight of arrival as well as quarantine for 14 days.
  • Unvaccinated travelers must stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.
• Until Jan. 31, foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa or Zimbabwe in the previous 14 days are not permitted entry into Canada.
  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with status under the Indian Act who have been in these countries must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, take another COVID test upon arrival, quarantine for 14-days and take an additional PCR test on the eighth day of quarantine.

BAL Analysis: The list of countries affected by the Omicron variant could increase in the coming days and weeks, health measures may change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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