In an effort to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus in the middle of the ongoing second wave of the pandemic in the country, Canada has announced the extension of restrictions on international travel.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that travel restrictions for U.S. citizens would be extended until 21 December, and the restrictions on people coming from other countries would be extended until 21 January 2021.
Limitations put forward on March 16 prohibit most foreign nationals from entering Canada for non-essential travel.
There are a number of exceptions for citizens’ immediate family members, essential employees, seasonal employees, careers, and international students.
The latest extension brings the timing of international restrictions on travel in line with those governing the land border between Canada and the United States.
Previously, on the last day of each month, international restrictions expired, while on the 21st, the Canada-US border restrictions expired.
Since March, both have been regularly extended.
In order to ensure that Canadians stay healthy and safe, the government continues to evaluate the travel restrictions and prohibitions as well as the requirement to quarantine or isolate continuously,”The government continues to evaluate the travel restrictions and prohibitions as well as the requirement to quarantine or isolate on an ongoing basis to ensure Canadians remain healthy and safe,”
The ability to align US and international travel extension dates, as well as the mandatory isolation order, starting on January 21, 2021, will allow the government to communicate any travel extensions or modifications as quickly as possible and provide Canadians, US and international travelers with certainty. To date, Canada has reported a total of 3,70,278 cases of Covid-19 and 12,032 deaths.
On Sunday, Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam reiterated a strong warning she made the previous day, saying the nation could see up to 10,000 cases of infection a day in mid-December “if we continue on the current pace” IANS.
