Effective December 21, Canada will reinstate the PCR test requirement for return to the country after any trip of any duration.
Canadians will no longer be able to travel to the United States for 72 hours or less without a test requirement on return. In another change, PCR tests must be taken outside of Canada prior to return.
"This is not a perfect measure, but it's an important one," said Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos. "The combination of different measures brings us closer to a solution."
The news came in an announcement from Federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, along with Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Teresa Tam.
The officials also announced the removal of a travel ban for 10 African nations, imposed shortly after South African doctors identified the Omicron variant. The ban will be lifted at midnight tomorrow.
In another blow to the travel industry, Duclos also encouraged those with booked trips to cancel them.
"We are aware of the many Canadians who are listening and cancelling their trips," Duclos said, praising them for "setting an example."
"We do not want you to be stranded abroad," Duclos said, stating that there is little the government can do to help travellers stranded in destination due to tightened restrictions.
Tam said that if Omicron replaces Delta as the predominant viral strain, the "sheer number of cases could inundate the health system." She pointed out that case numbers in Canada have risen by 45% in the past seven days.
"I know all of us are weary," Tam said, "but as all storms run out of wind and rain, this one will too."
Tam also encouraged Canadians to complete their vaccinations and get a booster shot as soon as possible, saying that the vaccines provide a "reasonable level of protection against infection, strong protection against severe illness."
Duclos defended the decision to impose a travel ban on the 10 African nations.
"We believe it was a necessary measure at a time of uncertainty and unknowns, and has served its purpose," he said.
In terms of airport arrival testing, Duclos says it has ramped up significantly, from 11,000 per day on November 30 to 21,000 per day today.
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