Over 178.6 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Canada will lift a ban on travellers from 10 African nations that was imposed last month as part of a campaign to fight the Omicron variant of Covid-19, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said on Friday.
Duclos also told reporters that Canada would once again require people returning home after foreign trips of less than 72 hours to produce a negative test. Tour operators say the measure is onerous and deters travel.
Covid-19 case numbers are rapidly increasing in Canada and the federal government has implored residents to avoid international trips.
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"While we recognize the controversial nature of such a prohibition, we believe it was a necessary measure to slow the arrival of Omicron in Canada and buy us some time," said Duclos.
"Given the current situation, this measure has served its purpose and is no longer needed."
Over 178.6 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
It will last for four weeks if 10 or more passengers test positive
Over 178.4 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Omicron variant is highly contagious and can even infect vaccinated/infected people, say experts
Doctors explain how some people can come into contact with a positive case without getting the virus themselves
Globally, cases decreased by nine per cent between July 25 and 31, as compared to the previous week
Over 178.2 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Total active cases stand at 18,841