The Coutts border crossing (Canada Border Services Agency)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta to lead new COVID-19 pilot program for international travellers

Oct 22, 2020 | 11:04 AM

CALGARY, AB – The province is taking part in a pilot program for sale travel amid the pandemic.

The Alberta and federal governments will test an alternative to the current COVID-19 14-day quarantine requirement for international travellers.

Currently, those coming back into Canada are required to isolate for 14 days after entering the country.

The International border pilot project will explore the feasibility of using a rigorous testing and monitoring program to help reduce the mandatory quarantine period.

“This announcement is welcomed by WestJet and I applaud and thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Jason Kenney for taking this important step in providing peace of mind to anxious travellers,” stated Ed Sims, president and CEO of WestJet.

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“We have been asking for a science-based approach based on multiple layers of testing to help safely ease the quarantine requirements. With our home and largest hub in Calgary, guests from the province will be the first to experience this important trial as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine.”

Starting November 2, COVID testing will be offered at two ports of entry into Canada: the Coutts land border crossing and the Calgary International Airport.

Those who participate will receive a COVID-19 test on entry into Canada before proceeding into the required quarantine.

Once their test comes back negative, they will then be allowed to leave their place of quarantine as long as they commit to getting a second test on day six or seven after their arrival.

“The reason for that [the six to seven day time-frame] is the same reason I’m under isolation right now, which is that the virus can take some time to develop and become detectable,” explained Alberta Premier Kenney.

The second test will have to be done at a community pharmacy participating in the pilot.

Participants will be monitored via daily symptom checks. They will also have to follow enhanced preventative health measures, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding high-risk groups.

The province noted that non-exempt participants will be required to stay in Alberta for the first 14 days upon their arrival and can be issued tickets if they do not respect the health requirements of the pilot.

Eligible candidates must be returning Canadian citizens, permanent residents or foreign nationals currently allowed to enter Canada and who have no symptoms.

All returning travellers who do not volunteer to take part in the pilot will have to continue to adhere to the 14-day quarantine.

“Though a lot of work lies ahead, we can see a return to normal travel but pilots like this will lead the way,” Kenney said.

“The results will help shape future provincial and federal policy and ultimately, they’ll help to find a new approach for international travel – one that limits the spread of COVID-19 while relying much less on prolonged and very inconvenient quarantine measures.”

The Premier also announced a new testing option for travellers looking to leave Canada.

Starting on Monday, Albertans requiring testing for essential international travel will have a “more efficient” option to get test results.

“Albertans will be able to access a new fee for service COVID travel testing service offered by DynaLIFE Medical Labs,” Kenney said.

For $150, travellers will receive their test results 72 hours in advance of their arrival time at their destination.

“This will enable people to get where they need to go safely and minimize the risk of anyone transmitting or acquiring COVID-19,” Kenney remarked.

He added that there are plans to expand the program to the Edmonton International Airport.

The provincial government’s announcement can be seen in full below.

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