The federal government is officially advising Canadians to avoid all non-essential international travel for at least four weeks, at which time the advice will be reviewed.
"Our government is officially advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country," said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health.
"To those planning to travel I will say very clearly, now is not the time. Canadians who travel can contract the virus or be stranded in their destination," Duclos added.
"We know this may sound very drastic to many listening, but we must avoid overwhelming our hospital and our health care workers."
The minister said arrival testing at Canadian airports will continue to be ramped up, with more announcements to come in the next few days.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial premiers held a 90-minute meeting yesterday evening to discuss possible new travel rules, both inbound and outbound.
More extreme proposed measures were on the table, including a potential ban on all non-essential foreign travellers into Canada and stricter quarantine and testing measures for travellers who are allowed into Canada. Instead, we appear to be in a similar situation as in recent weeks, just with strong advice for Canadians to stay home.
However, there may be more restrictions coming, including the possibility of quarantine requirements for Canadians returning from abroad.
"All options are on the table," Duclos said.
"As Omicron is reminding us, we're still living in a pandemic," said Deputy Prime Minister Crystia Freeland, at a press conference announcing the new travel advice.
Government leaders also pledged to make booster vaccines doses and rapid tests more readily available.
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