By Canadian Press

PCR test requirements at the border need to be re-examined: Tam

Nov 5, 2021 | 8:44 AM

OTTAWA — Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says border measures that require travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Canada should be re-examined.

Currently, anyone crossing into Canada needs to show a recent, molecular test that shows a negative result for COVID-19 in order to get into Canada. 

At a cost of $150 to $300 per test, that can be a pricey proposition, particularly for families

Critics have been particularly frustrated with the policy for short trips across the U.S. border, which allows travellers to get tested in Canada before spending up to 72 hours in U.S. and then present their negative Canadian test to re-enter the country. 

Some experts say the short-trip policy provides no protection in terms of importing COVID-19 cases to Canada. 

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Tam says the policy is “actively being looked at.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2021.

The Canadian Press