COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot for International Travellers Starts at Calgary Airport and Coutts Crossing

Travelers arrive at the Calgary Airport in Calgary, Canada, on May 10, 2018. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

International travellers can opt for COVID-19 rapid testing and forgo the current 14-day quarantine when they arrive at the Calgary International Airport and the Coutts land border crossing on Nov. 2.

The pilot program, conducted by the Alberta and federal governments, allows travellers to get a test and self isolate for 24 to 48 hours while they wait for their results. If the test comes back as negative, they can leave the quarantine as long as they take a second test within the next six to seven days, submit daily symptoms reports, and stay in Alberta for the first 14 days.

“This new pilot program will allow those who need to travel for work to have a safe path to a shorter quarantine period,” Premier Jason Kenney said in an earlier announcement.

If the pilot program is successful, it may be expanded to other airports and ports of entry, the provincial government said.

Eligible travellers must be returning Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals currently permitted entry in Canada who have no COVID-19 symptoms or contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days.

In the event the pilot participants experience any COVID-related symptoms within the 14-day period or would like to leave the program, they must immediately return to the mandatory 14-day quarantine and inform the pilot program coordinator.