International passengers flying into Alberta, Canada will now be able to opt-in for a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival, potentially saving them from the dreaded two-week enforced quarantine.
International inbound travellers, landing at Calgary International Airport could have the option to opt-in for a COVID-19 test on arrival which, if comes back negative, would save them from the full two-week quarantine.
Right now, as per Australia’s rules, Canada requires all international travellers to complete a 14-day quarantine to stop the spread, but this method could bring the quarantine down by 50%.
What’s the deal?
According to the Toronto Sun, the new test would be administered at the Calgary International Airport as well as the Coutts land border crossing.
Once the test is taken, the passenger will continue into quarantine, as normal.
Then, if a negative result is received, they would be allowed to leave quarantine on the basis they take another test that shows negative between days six and seven.
Global News notes that travellers taking part in this pilot project will be closely monitored and will be expected to take part in daily check-ins.
They will also have to follow other preventative measures, will be required to stay in the province of Alberta for the full 14 days and unable to visit high-risk settings where vulnerable people may live.
If the program goes to plan, it is expected to be rolled out at Edmonton International Airport too.
Watch this space for more information.
London offers rapid testing too
Rapid COVID-19 tests are also now being offered to passengers travelling to Hong Kong from London Heathrow, in a move that aims to “safely open up travel out of the UK.”
These rapid tests must be pre-booked and cost AU$147. They will give passengers results back within an hour, clearing them to fly if they test negative for the virus.
For now, the option is available to passengers travelling to countries that require pre-departure testing requirements at the airport before they fly, but there is a high chance it will be rolled out to more – or all – flights, around the world, as time goes on.
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