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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.