Canada Implements New COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao

Richmond, B.C, Canada, 2023-Jan-04 — /Travel PR News/ — The Government of Canada announced today (December 31, 2022) various new public health requirements for passengers entering Canada from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macao.

As of 12:01 a.m. ET on January 5, travellers flying to Canada from these locations must provide a negative COVID-19 test result to their airline before being allowed to board their aircraft and fly to Canada. Travellers are asked to ensure they contact their air carrier for the latest testing requirements.

The Government also announced expanded airport wastewater testing at Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson. We look forward to working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, airlines and ground handling staff at YVR to implement the new wastewater testing pilot. We are awaiting further information from the Government concerning implementation details and timelines.

The wastewater testing pilot program announced today builds on ongoing work at YVR. Wastewater surveillance is an effective way to monitor for the presence of many pathogens and support public health decision making. Wastewater from YVR is monitored through existing community wastewater sampling at the Metro Vancouver Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant, located immediately north of our airport property. Metro Vancouver posts weekly sampling results on its website.

Additionally, YVR has been working with the BC Centre for Disease Control and Public Health Agency of Canada since early November 2022 to expand their joint surveillance program and directly sample YVR’s wastewater. As we move into the new year, our focus will turn to operationalizing the expanded airport wastewater surveillance.

For more information on, please visit Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.

ABOUT YVR

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.

Media Relations:

604-880-9815
media_relations@yvr.ca

Source: YVR

###