Mandatory random COVID-19 testing resumes today for travellers coming in through Canada’s four major airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.
But the actual tests will be completed outside the airports, either in an in-person appointment or via a virtual appointment for a swab test.
Ottawa paused the random testing of vaccinated travellers entering Canada by air last month as it worked to move the actual testing process to locations outside of airports.
At the time, the federal government faced mounting criticism from tourism and air travel industry groups that felt public health restrictions were to blame for the chaos at Canadian airports.
The situation at Canadian airports has remained chaotic since testing was put on hold.
Deputy chief public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo has previously said random mandatory testing is an important part of Canada’s strategy to detect new variants coming in to the country.
