ETA Canada Travel Pass News

(Toronto) Several cafes in Toronto were packed Tuesday morning as Ontario canceled most other health measures, as well as corporate vaccine certification requirements and capacity limits. However, while wearing a mask is still mandatory, businesses such as cinemas, restaurants and gyms no longer need to check on the vaccination status of customers.
The current capacity limits have also been lifted from venues such as nightclubs, sports amphitheaters and concert halls. There are no longer any limits on the capacity of private gatherings such as funerals and weddings.

Judging by the volatility of the curve, Ontario has imposed and lifted business restrictions several times since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Most recently, in January, the government ordered a complete plant closure to contain the Omicron Wave.

While sewage data suggests cases in Ontario may be starting to rise again, the number of hospitalizations and positives associated with COVID-19 has dropped sharply since then.
In addition, 67 nursing homes in the state, or nearly 11% of households, have reported active outbreaks.
Ontario’s deregulation has been met with mixed reception, based on a sense of security and the need to meet people. When friends and colleagues gathered in north Toronto for lunch on Tuesday, many said they were pleased with the lifting of restrictions.

Dan Cronin thinks the time has come. A Toronto citizen who was vaccinated and contracted the virus said: “If you choose not to get vaccinated, you do so at your own risk.”
But Rachel Rosen of Toronto, who is immunocompromised, is “terrified” of having to go to work Tuesday morning. She believes the exit plan “places the burden of safety and survival” on the most vulnerable. All of them are designed to “calm down those tired of the pandemic” or those who prefer not to.

Prime Minister Doug Ford recalled that the vaccine evidence system introduced last year was always meant to be time-limited, and he waited for approval by the chief medical officer, and then it was abandoned. But on Monday, he indicated that residents still need to be vigilant as the epidemic is not over yet.

The federal government has announced from 28 February 2022 pre-arrival PCR testing is no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers.

Pre-arrival PCR testing has proven to be a deterrent for Canadians wanting to travel. A PCR test can range from $150-$300 without a guarantee of results within the required 72 hours.

Travel Agents have seen a huge increase in inquiries and bookings since the announcement with many Canadians eager to secure long overdue vacations.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced this week that while entry requirements have been eased by way of PCR testing, arrivals will still need to take a pre-arrival test however this can now be in the form of a rapid antigen test. A traveler must take no more than 24 hours before the scheduled flight or before their arrival at the land border. – Rapid antigen tests are more widely available and can give results within minutes.

In addition to the testing changes, children under the age of 12 entering Canada with fully vaccinated parents do not have to isolate from schools, or daycare starting the 28 February.

From 28 February 2022 Canada is set to ease entry rules for international travellers. Like many countries opening borders, it does not come without conditions. Arrivals must be fully vaccinated with a government approved vaccine and undertake a COVID-19 test if directed to do so upon arrival.

The country will monitor conditions by implementing random Covid-19 testing at airports. Roughly 80% of Canadians are double vaccinated and over 40% have received a 3rd booster vaccine according to the health ministry.

In addition to allowing fully vaccinated international arrivals, the global travel advisory has also updated its advice to Canadian travellers to exercise precaution when travelling. Previously Canadians had been advised against all non-essential travel.