Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit, Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the origin of many new cases of COVID-19 in the region have come from recent travel.
“Since the U.S. border reopening, we have seen a number of cases in people who have recently travelled to Minnesota. That state currently has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infection in North America and I recommend that local residents avoid travel to high-risk areas for non-essential reasons, at this time.”
The vaccination rate in Minnesota is 62.3%.
For those who so decide to travel, Dr. Young Hoon offers the following advice, “Remember that your destination may have different public health measures than Ontario, which could put you at a greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19. While away, practice all precautions to prevent infection and avoid large indoor gatherings.”
As of today, November 30, the requirements for re-entry into Canada change for short trips to the U.S.
Canadians, permanent residents and those covered under the Indian Act who are fully vaccinated and re-enter Canada within 72 hours no longer have to provide a negative PCR test result.
This also applies to children under 12, regardless of their vaccination status.
However, upon re-entry to Canada children cannot attend school or daycare for 14 days or participate in extracurricular activities.
“If someone under 12 years old visits the United States, they must stay home from school or daycare, limit contact with others, avoid extracurricular activities, and must wear a mask and physically distance when in contact with non-household members for 14 days after returning,” explains Dr. Young Hoon.
Changes also come into effect November 30 for domestic and international travellers.
Anyone aged 12 and older travelling by plane, train, or ship in Canada must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof in order to board.
A negative test won’t cut it anymore.
This applies to anyone departing from a Canadian airport and all rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.
The policy came into effect on October 30, but the federal government allowed a short transition period for unvaccinated travellers who could board as long as they provided a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their trip.
For those who choose to travel, visit the NWHU’s Travelling and COVID-19 webpage to learn how to minimize risk.
