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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.