Canada is extending negative COVID-19 test requirements for air travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau until April 5, the Public Health Agency of Canada said.
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In response to the increasing spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the People's Republic of China and limited epidemiological and viral genomic sequence data available on these cases, the Government of Canada announced temporary pre-boarding test requirements and arrival screening effective January 5, 2023, for most travellers arriving on flights originating from the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao.
On February 4, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EST, Canada intends on extending these current health measures for travellers arriving on flights from these regions, regardless of nationality or vaccination status.
The requirements are expected to remain in effect until April 5, 2023, 12:01 a.m. EDT.
The decision to extend the current health measures was informed by a number of factors, including:
• continued reports of a dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in China since the lifting of restrictions;
• limited epidemiological data available from China, including with respect to genomic sequencing and potential variants of concern;
• the potential impact of China's reopening on Canada's health care system; and
• responses of partner countries and international organizations.
Despite the data provided by China thus far, on-going gaps in data availability remain a significant concern. Extending these temporary health measures will provide time for new, reliable data sources to be made available and allow time for expected domestic waves in China to subside.
With these continuing measures, the Government of Canada, in consultation with provinces and territories, is taking a precautionary approach to protect the health and safety of people in Canada and safeguard Canada's already burdened health care system.
These border measures will continue to be reassessed as more data and evidence become available. ■