People who travel to Canada will be required to present documentation of a negative laboratory test to the airline before they board their plane. The test must be performed using a Covid-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.

“Our government remains committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. These new measures will provide another layer of protection for Canadians as we continue to assess public health risks and work to limit the spread of Covid-19 in Canada,” said minister of transport Marc Garneau.

It is hoped that the new measures will help prevent air travel from being a source of further introduction and spread of Covid-19 and new variants of the virus into Canada. Those who receive a negative test result will still have to complete full 14-day quarantine.

The Canadian government said that it will be increasing surveillance efforts to ensure travellers entering Canada complete the applicable mandatory 14-day quarantine period under the Quarantine Act.

All travellers will have their quarantine plans reviewed by a government official and, if not suitable, will be required to quarantine in a federal quarantine facility.

If travellers violate instructions when they enter Canada, they could face up to six months in prison and/or CAD 750,000 (USD 592263.75) in fines.

“Since the emergence of Covid-19, we have had in place strong measures to prevent the importation of Covid-19 cases. We can all work together to save lives. Stay in Canada and follow public health guidelines to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community,” said minister of health Patty Hajdu.