GWSA Special Vaccination Email Update, April 2021 

Message from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

Update from Canada's Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte
 

With spring upon us, Canadian snowbirds are preparing to return home. Some may have been vaccinated abroad and have questions on whether pre-entry requirements still apply. 

Although the scientific evidence is clear that the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are highly effective at preventing serious illness, there is a lot we do not yet know: if vaccinated individuals can carry and spread the virus to others without knowing it, how long vaccines protect us for, and if current vaccines work against all variants of concern. Until there is sufficient population protection through vaccination, everyone will need to continue with public health measures that we know are effective, regardless of whether you have received one or two doses of vaccine, or are not yet vaccinated.

In addition, the accuracy of a COVID-19 test depends on when you are tested. If you are tested in the days shortly following infection, it is unlikely that the infection will be detected. That means that even if you receive a negative test result, there is still a risk that you could go on and transmit the virus to others once the infection proceeds further.

That's why federal pre-entry requirements remain the same for all travellers entering Canada. Travellers are not exempt from requirements even if they have: 

• been vaccinated against COVID-19 
• tested negative for COVID-19 
• recovered from COVID-19 

All travellers must get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to, or crossing the land border into, Canada; they must then get tested for COVID-19 on arrival in Canada and, again, on Day 10 of their quarantine. 

After entering Canada, travellers must quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, even when they have proof of a negative molecular test.

When entering the country by air, travellers must await the result of the COVID-19 test they took on arrival, in a government-authorized accommodation at their own expense.  

Mandatory submission of travel information (ArriveCAN) 
Before boarding a flight to Canada or arriving at a land border crossing, travellers must electronically submit their travel and contact information as well as their quarantine plan using the ArriveCAN mobile app or by signing in online at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN.

Within 48 hours of entering Canada, all travellers must use ArriveCAN or call the toll-free number, 1-833-641-0343, to confirm they have arrived at either a government-authorized hotel or the address they provided for their place of quarantine or isolation. They must also complete a daily self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms during their 14-day quarantine period.   

Note that the province or territory of your final destination may have additional restrictions. 

For complete details on quarantine and pre-entry test requirements when entering Canada by air or by land, please see: 
Mandatory quarantine or isolation   
Flying to Canada requirements checklist  
Driving to Canada requirements checklist
COVID-19 border measures news release
 
The failure to comply with the current entry restrictions is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to 6 months in prison and/or up to $750,000 in fines. 

Sincerely,
 
 
Minister Deb Schulte
canada.ca/seniors