Mixed reaction from Ottawa travellers as Canada drops COVID-19 border rules, travel mask mandates
Paul Peloquin and Linda Johnson are travelling by plane from Ottawa to Amsterdam. It’s been awhile since the couple has left the country.
"We went to Mexico just before COVID started, that was a good trip," Johnson said.
Now, for the first time in years, their flight out of Canada looks nearly the same as the last time they were on board a plane.
For those arriving at the airport or train station, the rules have changed, marking the end to Canada’s travel COVID-19 rules. That means masking on planes and trains is optional, travellers will not have to use the ArriveCAN app when crossing the border, undergo COVID testing, quarantine or show proof of vaccination.
"It’s nice not to wear masks or fill out forms," said Sally Hobbs, travelling back to the UK after visiting family for a few weeks in Ottawa. She hopes the change will speed up the process at the airport.
"ArriveCan forms quite lengthy to fill out especially with all of us, so it’s nice to go back with one document… a passport," said Hobbs.
But when it comes to masks, several travellers are erring on the side of caution.
"I’m just not ready yet, I’m going to keep my mask on when I travel," Lynn Coward said.
"It’s a preference for me (to keep my mask on)", said Lisa Turner. "COVID is still spreading."
COVID-19 rules at the border expire as Canadians brace for another wave of the virus. Ottawa Public Health says wastewater levels are high and increasing, higher than it was during the Omicron wave in the winter. The Montfort Hospital imposed visitor restrictions because of the rise in COVID numbers.
"To no one’s surprise we are seeing a rise in cases," said Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch.
Health officials say in addition to masking up in crowded spaces, getting a booster shot would help curb the spread.
"I think the key here is to get as many people, especially those over the age of 60 boosted," Bogoch. "Our health care system is extraordinarily stretched and we’re already having challenges and this will go a long way keeping people out of hospital."
Back at the Ottawa International Airport, Peloquin and Johnson walk towards security. They aren’t wearing masks yet, but are planning to put them on when they board the plane.
“I think we’re going to wear a mask in a crowded place, otherwise keep our distance. We have 14 days on the road, we don’t want to get sick halfway through,” said Peloquin.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.