Canada To Require Incoming Travellers To Take A PCR Test Mid-Flight

Ottawa - As concerns around the new Omicron variants grow, the Canadian government has announced they will be adding an additional precautionary step for all incoming travellers.

“In order to combat this new and concerning variant, we will have new travel guidelines coming into effect December 2,” stated Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra, “Along with providing a negative test result and proof of vaccination before boarding the plane, we will also require all those entering the country to undergo a COVID antigen test after their flight takes off but before it lands.”

The new mandate was put in place as scientists continue to learn more about how the Omicron variant spreads, and will likely stay in place once its discovered that this isn’t an issue.

The Canadian government says they hope to make this test as easy as possible for travellers. Upon receiving their complimentary in-flight snack, registered nurses will beginning administering the tests at a cost to the traveller that will be randomly determined upon landing.

For travel within Canada, travellers will not need to undergo the mid-flight test and instead will be given a vaccine booster by flight attendants prior to boarding.