Toronto air travellers worry about returning from abroad as new restrictions and testing rules kick in ahead of holidays
For those arriving at Pearson International Airport from overseas, there is already a sense of unknown, but now, with the emergence of the new Omicron variant and additional travel restrictions, many travelling out of Toronto are feeling more stressed out because of what it could entail to come back home.
As of Tuesday, Canada is requiring all air travellers from outside Canada, except those coming from the U.S., to be tested at the airport.
Canadians and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated will have to isolate until they get a negative result. Those unvaccinated will have to isolate for 14 days.
The World Health Organization has also put out new advice that people over 60 and those who are unvaccinated should refrain from going abroad.
Canadian and fully vaccinated, Dominic Daniel is going to Nigeria for a family emergency.
“It’s not really too safe to travel right now, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed everything will be okay,” Daniel said.
Nigeria is one of the 10 countries included in Canada’s Omicron variant travel ban. This means that for Daniel to get back into Canada, he will first need to go to a third country — not on the list of affected countries —to receive a negative test result before travelling home. Once home, he will require another test in Canada and then will need to isolate until he receives a negative result.
Vicky Kamine is going to Cameroon to bury her father. She works in a daycare and it isn't clear when she needs to return back to her job.
“I’m worried about that. I don’t understand why — I have my two doses,” she said.
After two years, Brian Motherway is going to Ireland to visit family.
“It’s kinda scary. I think we’ve all been [unsettled] since this all started, but with the vaccine and the measures, it doesn’t feel as scary as a year ago,” Motherway said.
Another man, flying to Denver, told CTV News Toronto that he packed extra medication with him in case his return was delayed. Another couple going to California told CTV News they worried about being able to return to Canada at all.
The timing has many travellers, including seniors and snowbirds going to the U.S., worried what flying back will be like in the weeks ahead, but hoping for the best.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.