rankourabu

https://globalnews.ca/news/8619015/n...r-rules-covid/

Its official and then some

All measures are subject to re-evaluation,” Duclos said. “It’s important to note that if the epidemiological situation continues to improve, if hospitalizations continue to diminish and Canadians continue to get their booster shots, further easing of travel restrictions could be considered in the coming weeks.”

EmailKid

Indeed, I was just heading out the door, and didn't get a chance to add to my post

But our one poster has had some excellent predictions going back months now

Regular readers and contributors to this thread know who it is

xray

There's definitely some insider info on this thread which is appreciated....higher quality than a lot of usual FT conjecture and discussion

InfrequentFlyer2018

This switch is going to save me $$$$ we're driving to YYZ from Rochester, NY on 3/1 and returning 3/5 (long story, AA flight credit from early 2020). PCR tests are $150-200 USD in Rochester. Antigen tests, assuming they need to be proctored, cost $150 for 6 through eMed on the American website. Also will allow us to visit Niagara on the Lake/Wineries so much more often. LOVE CANADA.

hoipolloi

Golden Ticket remains valuable:

rankourabu

And looks like they are taking the day before not the 24hrs approach too

Travellers will now have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result (taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry

gcashin

The changes announced today are definitely underwhelming. Now you can take an antigen test within 24 hours/1 day (not sure exactly which, as the minster/translator mentioned both interchangeably in the press conference). Tests are still required for short trips under 72 hours too, which is annoying. Plus, there's the possibility of getting stuck somewhere with a positive test, and you still need to wait 11 days to travel back after a positive test, plus it needs to be a PCR. I guess it's a bit of good news, but still lagging behind places like Europe where they've realized that the testing rules aren't really worth the hassle.

TheCanuckian

I assume the Switch Health video antigen tests will be acceptable. Can anyone confirm?

hoipolloi

Perhaps you might want to catch covid preemptively and earn a golden ticket for 6 months of hassle-free travel:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZML8Ld9Gk/

Davvidd

I guess the details would still come out? It says within 24 hours of the departure flight to Canada. Could it be the same as before when the departure flight is considered to be their first flight to Canada if on the same ticketing.
If it is the last direct flight to Canada, then I guess I will still have to stick with a PCR test taken within 72 hours.

gcashin

Yeah, it's kinda tempting, which is absolutely crazy to think that the rules are so lopsided that it may encourage people to get COVID so they know they can get home and don't get stuck somewhere on vacation.

But also, most provinces don't offer PCR tests for the general public any more so it's not quite as easy to get a PCR in Canada. Private clinics that do travel testing are supposed to be only for asymptomatic testing, so if you have symptoms, technically you shouldn't be going to a private clinic to get a travel test. Not quite as simple as it was a couple months ago when PCR tests were the routine way to confirm if you have COVID.

xray

Or end up in ICU and not be able to travel... hmmm

From a most practical point of view, I think testing is on the way out anyhow. If you're asymptomatic, antigen will likely be negative. Most people I know who caught omicron caught it from their kids.

WildcatYXU

I ordered a RT-LAMP test from Switch Health when I got sick and the antigen tests given to me at the testing site confirmed Covid. I used it last Friday coming back from California. It was accepted without any problems when checking in at SNA and during the document check at SFO.

zrh2yvr

Two things. For me - the testing method is no different. Both are expensive in Switzerland and both take a long time to process. In fact - since the Antigen tests are all "throat swap through the nose" while the PCR is spit test - I will not do the antigen from here.

Second - - I hope the antigen test from Switch is valid to come back to Canada - - I bought the tests yesterday - - just in case - - and don't want to have to run around on a Sunday in SFO to find a test . . unless @canadiancow can say what the best approach would be.

This is a non-announcement. You still need a test - need a test for short trips . etc. . Canada - you continue to look completely incompetent but then again - you lost me a long time ago so I am not surprised.

gcashin

That sounds like an oversight by the agent at the airport, so don't think you can count on that as the rules for traveling with a prior positive still need a nucleic acid/PCR test. I know the agents I had check tests in LHR, DXB, and other Intl stations were very diligent in checking the type of test. I guess you lucked out and got US agents who were more used to dealing with antigen tests as the norm for travel.