The Coutts border crossing (Canada Border Services Agency)

By David Opinko

Goal to reduce quarantine times

Alberta’s quarantine pilot project for international travellers now underway

Nov 2, 2020 | 11:37 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Those entering the province through one of two ports of entry will be able to reach their destination much sooner thanks to a new quarantine pilot project.

The provincial and federal governments announced the pilot back in October as an alternative to the current 14-day quarantine period for eligible international travellers.

Under the International Border Testing Pilot Program, those entering Alberta at either the Coutts land border crossing or Calgary International Airport will get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.

They will immediately be placed into quarantine, but once their test comes back negative, they will be allowed to leave their place of quarantine provided they commit to getting a second COVID test six or seven days later.

“The start of this unique trial is a significant first step in giving peace of mind to those who need to travel and were apprehensive due to the rigorous quarantine requirements and testing restrictions,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “This pilot is the health and science-based approach that WestJet and our industry has been seeking. We encourage our guests to adhere to all of the health guidelines in place as part of this program.”

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Participants in the pilot project will be closely monitored for COVID-19 symptoms in the days that follow.

Those eligible to be in the pilot include returning Canadian citizens, permanent residents, foreign nationals currently permitted entry into Canada, and travellers exempt from 14-day quarantines such as essential service workers.

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