Alleluia!!! Removing pre arrival covid 19 testing is on the horizon

[Frozen2014]

of course i have a meeting then! someone post an update if possible please

Lol....same.....So anxious to hear!

 

[HeatherLassell]

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/cana...r-restrictions-today/ar-AATSWpE?ocid=BingNews
Maybe we'll know by 1pm today?!

 

[von Monster]

Ottawa dropping pre-arrival PCR test for fully vaccinated Canadian travellers on March 1: sources | CBC News

Like everything COVID related it's been fully leaked before the press conference.

 

[Juventus]

I am more interested in them getting rid of the "possible" 5K per person fine for returning via land if positive, and supposed to be staying in the states and extra 10 days.

They better address that in clearer terms.

 

[hcortesis]

I am more interested in them getting rid of the "possible" 5K per person fine for returning via land if positive, and supposed to be staying in the states and extra 10 days.

They better address that in clearer terms.

Just a guess but pretty sure that if they are removing the travel advisory, they will remove the fine.

 

[damo]

Blah...it is still testing. It is still going to stop people from travelling.

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Blah...it is still testing. It is still going to stop people from travelling.

Which is exactly what they want to discourage. Like seriously

It is such a mute point. I was more at risk now trying to isolate and keep away from others for the last 14 days before we need to have our antigen test to get on the plane. I got extremely mad at co-workers late last week when they were coming into work sick...one of them tested positive on a rapid test...then others were starting to test positive too. When the first one tested...I told my manager I'm working from home unless they have the $$$ to repay me for out lost trip and also for my heartache for them being such dumb @sshats. Here I am actively trying to not get sick and doing everything in my power to stay healthy....and I go to work where there us huge community spread. It is beyond frustrating at this point.

 

[OkanaganAmanda]

I am watching it right now. PCR testing is gone (yay!). You now have the choice of presenting a 24 hour negative antigen test, or a 72 hour molecular test. It sounds like they will still honour the previous positive molecular test (10-180 days old). Also eliminating the quarantine requirement for unvaccinated kids under 5. And, I *think* he said that kids under 12 are excluded from test requirements? Will need to read the summary. His accent was thick. Lastly, if selected for random testing at the border, you don't need to quarantine while awaiting results.

 

[VanislJK]

So happy. Antigen testing saves more than $120CAD per person

 

[azrivest]

I dunno I'm super excited. Rapid tests aren't as sensitive as PCR tests, and no more isolation when you get home if you're selected for random testing. Two wins in my book!

Only 7 days left till we test to get on the plane!

 

[lilsonicfan]

I am watching it right now. PCR testing is gone (yay!). You now have the choice of presenting a 24 hour negative antigen test, or a 72 hour molecular test. It sounds like they will still honour the previous positive molecular test (10-180 days old). Also eliminating the quarantine requirement for unvaccinated kids under 5. And, I *think* he said that kids under 12 are excluded from test requirements? Will need to read the summary. His accent was thick. Lastly, if selected for random testing at the border, you don't need to quarantine while awaiting results.

I watched and did not hear that kids under 12 would be excluded from test requirements; just that they would not have to quarantine (all kids under 12 who aren't fully vaxxed, not just the under 5 set)

 

[OkanaganAmanda]

So happy. Antigen testing saves more than $120CAD per person

Me too. I am THRILLED. The stress of PCR testing while travelling, is that even if it IS free like at some pharmacies, the risk of not getting the test results back in time is a huge concern. Plus, the chance of testing positive on a PCR is so high, even if you didn't know that you were previously positive. Testing positive on a Rapid Test at least actually means you are currently infected.....testing positive on a PCR doesn't mean that. I am SO happy about this update. We are off to Disneyland next month, and I am much more at ease knowing we only have to do a rapid test. Phew. Today is a GOOD DAY!!!!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Meh. I'm glad RAT are cheaper and easier to get but it's still a stupid extra expense. Testing for vaccinated Canadians should have been dropped completely.

They also spoke about cruising and will "have more to say about how testing for people coming to Canada to cruise will work". Whatever that means.

 

[azrivest]

Which is exactly what they want to discourage. Like seriously

It is such a mute point. I was more at risk now trying to isolate and keep away from others for the last 14 days before we need to have our antigen test to get on the plane. I got extremely mad at co-workers late last week when they were coming into work sick...one of them tested positive on a rapid test...then others were starting to test positive too. When the first one tested...I told my manager I'm working from home unless they have the $$$ to repay me for out lost trip and also for my heartache for them being such dumb @sshats. Here I am actively trying to not get sick and doing everything in my power to stay healthy....and I go to work where there us huge community spread. It is beyond frustrating at this point.

I hope you get to travel despite all the work frustrations

 

[OkanaganAmanda]

I watched and did not hear that kids under 12 would be excluded from test requirements; just that they would not have to quarantine (all kids under 12 who aren't fully vaxxed, not just the under 5 set)

Yeah it was hard to follow that part. He did say that kids under 12 are excluded, but might have just been in reference to the random arrival testing.

 

[HeatherLassell]

I dunno I'm super excited. Rapid tests aren't as sensitive as PCR tests, and no more isolation when you get home if you're selected for random testing. Two wins in my book!

Only 7 days left till we test to get on the plane!

Have a great trip!

 

[OkanaganAmanda]

Meh. I'm glad RAT are cheaper and easier to get but it's still a stupid extra expense. Testing for vaccinated Canadians should have been dropped completely.

They also spoke about cruising and will "have more to say about how testing for people coming to Canada to cruise". Whatever that means.

The good thing is that in the US, pharmacies will often offer rapid testing for free....or at least for much less expense. I'm happy. This is a big step in the right direction. Yes, having NO testing for vaccinated travellers would be great, but I'm happy they are making this big step right now.

 

[Frozen2014]

Nothing yet has been said about being able to return with a positive test and quarantine at home if crossing land border right? Assuming the fine is still there if you do so?

 

[azrivest]

The good thing is that in the US, pharmacies will often offer rapid testing for free....or at least for much less expense. I'm happy. This is a big step in the right direction. Yes, having NO testing for vaccinated travellers would be great, but I'm happy they are making this big step right now.

My thoughts exactly. Much easier to find a rapid test than a PCR in Orlando

 

[azrivest]

And antigen would be 24 hours before like the States, right?