Travellers in Ontario scramble as U.S. implements new testing requirement
Passengers in Ontario flying into the United States scrambled to get a COVID-19 test completed one day prior to taking off as new rules took affect at midnight.
The new rule forces Canadians and all other foreign visitors who travel to the U.S. by air to get a COVID-19 test no later than one day before their departure in light of the new the Omicron variant.
American Steve Rasic, who was visiting family in Toronto and flying back home to Chicago on Monday, told CTV News Toronto that he was not impressed with his own government’s new testing rules.
“Definitely not a fan to be honest with you. I had do to so much to get here, I mean it is what it is at this point," he said.
Leigh Gowland of Toronto was flying to Florida on Monday and said she and her partner paid $40 at a local drug store and got the necessary test and result.
“We had enough time, we had go out yesterday at 12 p.m. We are flying today at 12,” Gowland said.
Her wife Cathy Gowland worries about seniors having to navigate their way though all the demands.
"It was a little bit onerous yesterday as far as uploading documents and making sure they were verified at their end. It took us a little while. It was okay for us, but if you were a little bit old it might have been more difficult," she said.
She said people have to take these changes one step at a time and be prepared for more changes at any time.
“You have to be flexible and you have to have patience for sure," she said.
Peter, who did not want his last name public, says his family had to scramble to get tested yesterday.
“That was a little bit of a problem… it was a bit challenge to get it in time yesterday before we fly today. Other than that it was fine," he said.
On his way to Tampa, Florida, he told CTV News Toronto that no one bothered to ask for the COVID test results at check-in.
“They didn’t ask for it here which was surprising, but I’m pretty confident the U.S. customs guy will ask for it … or else its a waste of $40,” he said.
There are also changes in effect for international passengers flying into Canada.
“All air travellers entering Canada from any country other than the U.S. must take a COVID-19 test at the airport they land in, regardless of their vaccination status," a Canadian government website states.
Martin Firestone of Travel Secure Inc. says this is a recipe for confusion.
“This is going to get really really chaotic as we get closer to the holiday season," he said. "I can’t even imagine how long people could be waiting on planes, could be waiting in assembly halls in airports before they are able to get out.”
For now, they are only doing random testing at Toronto Pearson Airport.
"Not all passengers are being tested yet because the Government needs more time to put the infrastructure in place," the GTAA saying in a statement to CTV News Toronto.
Robert Gooch of The Canadian Airports Council doesn’t see how each and every passenger landing in Toronto can be tested on site.
“We have indicted 100 per cent of testing cannot be done at the airport, it is not feasible. Take home tests will need to be part of the mix.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
They were from different countries and barely spoke each other's languages. More than 20 years later, they're still happily in love
He decided to spend Christmas somewhere that wouldn't involve snowstorm disasters. She was spending the holidays with family, travelling for the first time outside of her native country of Venezuela. 23 years later, they're still in love.
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
12 students and teacher killed in Columbine school shooting remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
Thirteen victims of the Columbine High School shooting were remembered during a vigil Friday on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the shooting that was the worst the nation had seen at the time.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. U.S. denies involvement
Iraqi authorities said Saturday that they were investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, killing one person and injuring eight.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.