Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 28: ORDERS IN COUNCIL

July 9, 2022

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

QUARANTINE ACT

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order

P.C. 2022-836 June 25, 2022

Whereas the Governor in Council is of the opinion, based on the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization, that there is an outbreak of a communicable disease, namely coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in the majority of foreign countries;

Whereas the Governor in Council is of the opinion that the introduction or spread of COVID-19 would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada;

Whereas the Governor in Council is of the opinion that the entry of persons into Canada who have recently been in a foreign country may introduce or contribute to the spread in Canada of COVID-19 or of new variants of the virus causing COVID-19 that pose risks that differ from those posed by other variants but that are equivalent or more serious;

And whereas the Governor in Council is of the opinion that no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 are available;

Therefore, Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, under section 58 of the Quarantine Actfootnote a, makes the annexed Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order.

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order

PART 1

Definitions, Interpretation and Application

1 Definitions

2 Non-application

PART 2

Entry

DIVISION 1

Prohibitions

3 Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

4 Vaccination

5 Pre-arrival COVID-19 test

6 Non-application — evacuated person

7 Quarantine

DIVISION 2

Immediate Measures

8 Minister of Health’s power

DIVISION 3

Application

9 Non-application

PART 3

Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations

DIVISION 1

General

10 Exempted persons — conditions or requirements

DIVISION 2

COVID-19 Tests

11 Entering by aircraft — pre-boarding test

12 Entering by land — pre-arrival test

13 Entering by water — pre-arrival test

14 Alternative testing protocol — pre-arrival

15 Tests in Canada

16 Alternative testing protocol — on entry

17 Evidence of COVID-19 test — retention

DIVISION 3

Suitable Quarantine Plan and Other Measures

18 Suitable quarantine plan

19 Suitable quarantine plan — requirement

20 Information — countries

21 Mask

DIVISION 4

Quarantine of Asymptomatic Persons

22 Requirements — quarantine

23 Additional requirements

24 Unable to quarantine

25 Unable to quarantine — additional requirements

26 Exempted persons — quarantine

27 Exempted persons — medical reason

28 Exempted persons — compassionate grounds

29 Exempted persons — fully vaccinated persons

30 Exempted persons — less than 12 years of age

31 Exempted persons — persons with contraindications

32 Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or positive test result

33 Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or positive test result — cruise ship

34 Exception — leaving Canada

DIVISION 5

Isolation of Symptomatic Persons

35 Requirements — isolation

36 Additional requirements

37 Unable to isolate

38 Unable to isolate — additional requirements

39 Exempted persons — medical reason

40 Positive result — requirements

41 Exception — leaving Canada

DIVISION 6

Instruction to be Followed

42 Instruction provided after entry into Canada

PART 4

Repeal and Effective Period

Repeal

43

Effective Period

44 June 27 to September 30, 2022

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 2

SCHEDULE 3

Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order

PART 1

Definitions, Interpretation and Application

Definitions

1 (1) The following definitions apply in this Order.

accredited person
means a foreign national who holds a passport that contains a valid diplomatic, consular, official or special representative acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. (personne accréditée)
authorized representative
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. (représentant autorisé)
Canadian Forces
means the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada. (Forces canadiennes)
Chief Public Health Officer
means the Chief Public Health Officer appointed under subsection 6(1) of the Public Health Agency of Canada Act. (administrateur en chef)
common-law partner
has the same meaning as in subsection 1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (conjoint de fait)
contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen
means a medical reason that prevents a person in a class of persons from completing a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen according to
  • (a) the terms of market authorization of the relevant COVID-19 vaccines in the country in which the person resides; or
  • (b) the opinion of the Minister of Health, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, having regard to scientific evidence related to the health effects of a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen or any other relevant information. (contre-indication à un protocole vaccinal complet contre la COVID-19)
COVID-19 antigen test
means a COVID-19 screening or diagnostic immunoassay that
  • (a) detects the presence of a viral antigen indicating the presence of COVID-19;
  • (b) is authorized for sale or distribution in Canada or in the jurisdiction in which it was obtained;
  • (c) if the test is self-administered, is observed and produces a result that is verified
    • (i) in person by an accredited laboratory or testing provider, or
    • (ii) in real time by remote audiovisual means by the accredited laboratory or testing provider who provided the test; and
  • (d) if the test is not self-administered, is performed by an accredited laboratory or testing provider. (Essai antigénique relatif à la COVID-19)
COVID-19 molecular test
means a COVID-19 screening or diagnostic test, including a test performed using the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), that
  • (a) if the test is self-administered, is observed and produces a result that is verified
    • (i) in person by an accredited laboratory or testing provider, or
    • (ii) in real time by remote audiovisual means by the accredited laboratory or testing provider who provided the test; or
  • (b) if the test is not self-administered, is performed by an accredited laboratory or testing provider. (essai moléculaire relatif à la COVID-19)
crew member
means
  • (a) a crew member as defined in subsection 101.01(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations or a person who enters Canada only to become such a crew member;
  • (b) a member of a crew as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations or a person who enters Canada only to become such a member of a crew; or
  • (c) a person who is re-entering Canada after having left to participate in mandatory training in relation to the operation of a conveyance and who is required by their employer to return to work as a crew member within the meaning of paragraph (a) or (b) on a conveyance within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they return to Canada. (membre d’équipage)
cruise ship
has the same meaning as in subsection 1(1) of Interim Order No. 3 Respecting Vessel Restrictions and Vaccination Requirements Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as that Order read on March 31, 2022. (navire de croisière)
dependent child
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (enfant à charge)
evidence of a COVID-19 antigen test
means written evidence of a COVID-19 antigen test that contains the following information:
  • (a) the name and date of birth of the person whose specimen was collected for the test;
  • (b) the name and civic address of the accredited laboratory or the testing provider that performed or observed the test and verified the test result;
  • (c) the date the specimen was collected and the test method used; and
  • (d) the test result. (preuve d’essai antigénique relatif à la COVID-19)
evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test
means written evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test that contains the following information:
  • (a) the name and date of birth of the person whose specimen was collected for the test;
  • (b) the name and civic address of the accredited laboratory or the testing provider that performed or observed the test and verified the test result;
  • (c) the date the specimen was collected and the test method used; and
  • (d) the test result. (preuve d’essai moléculaire relatif à la COVID-19)
extended family member,
in respect of a person, means
  • (a) a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling of the person; or
  • (b) a grandparent of the person. (membre de la famille élargie)
foreign national
has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (étranger)
fully vaccinated person
means a person who completed, at least 14 days before the day on which they entered Canada, a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen if
  • (a) in the case of a vaccine dosage regimen that uses a COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for sale in Canada,
    • (i) the vaccine has been administered to the person in accordance with its labelling, or
    • (ii) the Minister of Health determines, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, that the regimen is suitable, having regard to the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of that regimen in preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19 or any other factor relevant to preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19; or
  • (b) in all other cases,
    • (i) the vaccines of the regimen are authorized for sale in Canada or in another jurisdiction, and
    • (ii) the Minister of Health determines, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, that the vaccines and the regimen are suitable, having regard to the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of that regimen and the vaccines in preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19 or any other factor relevant to preventing the introduction or spread of COVID-19. (personne entièrement vaccinée)
immediate family member,
in respect of a person, means
  • (a) the spouse or common-law partner of the person;
  • (b) a dependent child of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
  • (c) a dependent child of the dependent child referred to in paragraph (b);
  • (d) the parent or step-parent of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or
  • (e) the guardian or tutor of the person. (membre de la famille immédiate)
isolation
means the separation of persons who have reasonable grounds to suspect that they have COVID-19, who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or who know that they have COVID-19, in such a manner as to prevent the spread of the disease. (isolement)
mask
means any mask, including a non-medical mask, that meets all of the following requirements:
  • (a) it is made of multiple layers of tightly woven material such as cotton or linen;
  • (b) it completely covers a person’s nose, mouth and chin without gaping;
  • (c) it can be secured to a person’s head with ties or ear loops. (masque)
permanent resident
has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident permanent)
protected person
has the same meaning as in subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (personne protégée)
quarantine
means the separation of persons in such a manner as to prevent the possible spread of disease. (quarantaine)
quarantine facility
means a place that is designated under section 7 of the Quarantine Act or that is deemed to be designated under subsection 8(2) of that Act, and that is chosen by the Chief Public Health Officer. (installation de quarantaine)
signs and symptoms of COVID-19
include a fever and a cough or a fever and difficulty breathing. (signes et symptômes de la COVID-19)
sterile transit area
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. (espace de transit isolé)
temporary resident
means a temporary resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (résident temporaire)
testing provider
means
  • (a) a person who may provide COVID-19 screening or diagnostic testing services under the laws of the jurisdiction where the service is provided; or
  • (b) an organization, such as a telehealth service provider or pharmacy, that may provide COVID-19 screening or diagnostic testing services under the laws of the jurisdiction where the service is provided and that employs or contracts with a person referred to in paragraph (a). (fournisseur de services d’essais)
variant of concern
means a SARS-CoV-2 variant designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. (variant préoccupant)
vessel
has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. (bâtiment)
vulnerable person
means a person who
  • (a) has an underlying medical condition that makes the person susceptible to complications related to COVID-19;
  • (b) has a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment; or
  • (c) is 65 years of age or older. (personne vulnérable)

Interpretation — fully vaccinated person

(2) For greater certainty, for the purposes of the definition fully vaccinated person in subsection (1), a COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for sale in Canada does not include a similar vaccine sold by the same manufacturer that has been authorized for sale in another jurisdiction.

For greater certainty

(3) For greater certainty, this Order

Non-application

2 This Order does not apply to

PART 2

Entry

DIVISION 1

Prohibitions

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

3 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada if

Exception — cruise ship

(2) Despite subsection (1), a person referred to in subsection 35(2), other than a person referred to in subsection 33(1), may enter Canada on board a cruise ship if

Vaccination

4 (1) A foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada unless they are a fully vaccinated person and they comply with the applicable requirement under Part 3 to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination.

Non-application — less than 18 years of age

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who is less than 18 years of age if they

Listed institution

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(d), a listed institution is an institution that is

Non-application — dependent adults

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who is 18 years of age or older if they are dependent on one or more other persons for care or support by reason of mental or physical limitation and they seek to enter Canada with their parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor and that parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor

Non-application — other persons

(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to

Non-application — compassionate grounds

(6) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person if the Minister of Health determines that they seek to engage in one of the following activities:

Non-application — remote communities

(7) Subsection (1) does not apply to a habitual resident of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington who

Non-application — transit

(8) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person

Non-application — contraindication

(9) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person if they have a contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine dosage regimen and they comply with the requirement under Part 3 to provide evidence confirming that fact.

Pre-arrival COVID-19 test

5 A foreign national who is required under Part 3 to provide or have in their possession evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test or evidence of a COVID-19 antigen test is prohibited from entering Canada if they do not comply with that requirement.

Non-application — evacuated person

6 (1) Section 3, subsection 4(1) and section 5 do not apply to a person or any member of a class of persons who enters Canada on board a conveyance organized by the Government of Canada and is authorized by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to be evacuated from a country and who, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, is in exigent circumstances and suffering hardship, if the person complies with the conditions that the Minister of Health may impose to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19.

Non-application — crew member

(2) Sections 3 and 5 do not apply to a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in subsection 1(1) who enters Canada on board a conveyance organized by the Government of Canada for the transportation of a person referred to in subsection (1).

Quarantine

7 A foreign national who is required to quarantine under Part 3 is prohibited from entering Canada if, based on the purpose of entry or the anticipated length of their stay, they cannot comply with that requirement.

DIVISION 2

Immediate Measures

Minister of Health’s power

8 (1) Despite any other provision of this Part, other than section 9, the Minister of Health may — if the Minister of Health determines that immediate measures are necessary to minimize the introduction or spread of a variant of concern in Canada — prohibit, for a period of no more than 30 days, a foreign national or any member of a class of foreign nationals from entering Canada, if, within a period of 14 days before the day on which they seek to enter Canada, they were in a country where, as determined by the Minister of Health,

Factors

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister of Health must consider the following factors:

Non-application

(3) The prohibition referred to in subsection (1) does not apply to

DIVISION 3

Application

Non-application

9 This Part does not apply to any of the following persons:

PART 3

Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations

DIVISION 1

General

Exempted persons — conditions or requirements

10 (1) The Chief Public Health Officer may take immediate public health measures to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 by imposing conditions or requirements on any person or member of a class of persons exempt under this Part from any requirement set out in it, including

Compliance — conditions or requirements

(2) A person who is exempted from any requirement under this Part and on whom the conditions or requirements are imposed under subsection (1) must comply with them in order to remain exempted from the requirement.

Factors to consider

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the following factors:

DIVISION 2

COVID-19 Tests

Entering by aircraft — pre-boarding test

11 (1) Every person who enters Canada by aircraft must, before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada, provide to the aircraft operator evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test or evidence of a COVID-19 antigen test indicating that they received

Exempted persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to

Entering by land — pre-arrival test

12 (1) Every person must, when entering Canada by land,

Exempted persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to

Entering by water — pre-arrival test

13 (1) Every person must, before and when entering Canada by water,

Exempted persons

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to

Alternative testing protocol — pre-arrival

14 A person or any member of a class of persons who is required to provide or have in their possession evidence under paragraph 11(1)(a) or (b) or subparagraph 12(1)(a)(i) or (ii) or 13(1)(a)(i) or (ii) and who is designated by the Chief Public Health Officer must, before or when entering Canada, if the person enters by land or water, or before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada, if the person enters by air, and in accordance with the instructions of the Chief Public Health Officer,

Tests in Canada

15 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (5) to (7), every person who enters Canada must, in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer or the Minister of Health, undergo a COVID-19 molecular test

Chief Public Health Officer — exempted persons

(2) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the Chief Public Health Officer may, having regard to the factors set out in subsection 10(3), exempt from the requirement set out in paragraph (1)(a) or (b), or both, any person referred to in subsection (1) or any member of a class of those persons, other than a person who is referred to in:

COVID-19 molecular test — on request

(3) On the request, made in a randomized manner, of the Chief Public Health Officer, a person referred to in subsection (2) or a member of a class of those persons must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, undergo a COVID-19 molecular test in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer or the Minister of Health.

Expense

(4) For greater certainty, the person who must undergo the COVID-19 molecular tests must do so at their expense or at the expense of another person on behalf of that person unless the COVID-19 molecular tests are provided or paid for by Her Majesty in right of Canada or an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada or by Her Majesty in right of a province.

Extraordinary circumstances

(5) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirement to undergo, when or after entering Canada, the COVID-19 molecular test, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Exempted persons — subsections (1) and (3)

(6) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply to

Exempted persons — paragraph (1)(b)

(7) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply to

Alternative testing protocol — on entry

16 (1) The persons referred to in subsection (2) who enter Canada must, subject to subsection (3) and in accordance with the instructions of a quarantine officer, undergo a COVID-19 molecular test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol that screens or diagnoses COVID-19 for the purpose of minimizing the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and that takes into account the following factors:

Persons subject to alternative testing protocol

(2) The persons undergoing a test in accordance with an alternative testing protocol under subsection (1) are

Extraordinary circumstances

(3) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirement to undergo a test in accordance with the alternative testing protocol, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Exempted persons — positive result

(4) This section does not apply to a person who receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test.

Evidence of COVID-19 test — retention

17 (1) Every person who enters Canada must

Designation

(2) The Chief Public Health Officer may designate any person as a public health official for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c).

DIVISION 3

Suitable Quarantine Plan and Other Measures

Suitable quarantine plan

18 (1) A suitable quarantine plan must meet the following requirements:

Place of quarantine — conditions

(2) The conditions for the place of quarantine are the following:

Suitable quarantine plan — requirement

19 (1) Subject to subsection (2), every person who enters Canada must provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer a suitable quarantine plan that meets the requirements set out in subsection 18(1).

Exception — contact information

(2) Instead of providing a suitable quarantine plan, the following persons must provide to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer their contact information for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada:

Timing

(3) The person who provides their suitable quarantine plan or their contact information must do so,

Electronic means

(4) A person who enters Canada must provide their suitable quarantine plan or their contact information by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to provide their plan by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the plan must be provided in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health.

Persons in transit

(5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who plans to arrive at a Canadian airport on board an aircraft in order to transit to another country and to remain in a sterile transit area until they leave Canada.

Information — countries

20 (1) Every person who enters Canada must disclose to the Minister of Health, screening officer or quarantine officer the countries that they were in during the 14-day period before the day on which they enter Canada.

Information and evidence of vaccination

(2) Every person who enters Canada must

Extraordinary circumstances

(3) A quarantine officer may, in extraordinary circumstances, release any person from the requirements referred to in subsection (2), in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer.

Elements — evidence of vaccination

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination means evidence issued by a non-governmental entity that is authorized to issue the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination in the jurisdiction in which the vaccine was administered, by a government or by an entity authorized by a government, and must contain the following information:

Evidence of vaccination — translation

(5) The evidence of COVID-19 vaccination must be in English or French and any translation into English or French must be a certified translation.

Timing — countries

(6) A person who is required to provide the information referred to in subsection (1) must do so,

Timing — COVID-19 vaccination

(7) A person who is required to provide the information referred to in paragraph (2)(a) or the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination referred to in paragraph (2)(b) must do so,

Electronic means

(8) A person who enters Canada must provide the information referred to in subsection (1) and paragraph (2)(a) and the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination referred to in paragraph (2)(b) that they are required to provide by electronic means specified by the Minister of Health, unless they are a member of a class of persons who, as determined by the Minister of Health, are unable to provide their information by those electronic means for a reason such as a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case the information must be provided in the form and manner and at the time specified by the Minister of Health.

Evidence of vaccination — retention

(9) Every person who enters Canada and who is required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination must, during the period referred to in paragraph 17(1)(a),

Answers, information and records

(10) Every person who enters Canada must, for the purposes of the administration of this Part, before entering Canada and during the period referred to in paragraph 17(1)(a),

Designation

(11) The Chief Public Health Officer may designate any person as a public health official.

Mask

21 (1) Every person who enters Canada and who is required to quarantine or isolate themselves must, during the period referred to in paragraph 17(1)(a), wear a mask that a screening officer or quarantine officer considers suitable to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19

Persons not subject to quarantine

(2) Every person who enters Canada and who, under section 26, subsection 28(1) or section 30 or 31, is not required to enter or remain in quarantine must, during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada,

Exempted persons

(3) This section does not apply to a person who

DIVISION 4

Quarantine of Asymptomatic Persons

Requirements — quarantine

22 Every person who enters Canada and who does not exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 must quarantine themselves without delay in accordance with the instructions provided by a screening officer or quarantine officer, and remain in quarantine until the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, in a place

Additional requirements

23 A person who is required to quarantine under this Part must

Unable to quarantine

24 (1) A person who is required to quarantine under this Part is considered unable to quarantine themselves if

Quarantine facility or other suitable place

(2) A person who, at the time of entry into Canada or at any other time during the 14-day period referred to in section 22, subsection 32(4) or paragraph 33(2)(e), is considered unable to quarantine themselves must

Change of place

(3) A person may, with the authorization of a quarantine officer, leave a quarantine facility before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada or the period referred to in subsection 32(4) or paragraph 33(2)(e), in order to quarantine themselves in a place that meets the conditions set out in section 22 and must, if applicable, meet the requirements set out in section 23.

Choice of quarantine facility

(4) In choosing a quarantine facility for the purposes of subsection (2), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the following factors:

Unable to quarantine — additional requirements

25 A person referred to in subsection 24(2) or (3) must

Exempted persons — quarantine

26 Sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a person referred to in Table 1 of Schedule 3 if

Exempted persons — medical reason

27 (1) Sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a person

Accompanying person

(2) If the person exempted from the quarantine requirements under subsection (1) is a dependent child or requires assistance in accessing medical services or treatments, the exception set out in that subsection extends to one other person who accompanies the dependent child or the person requiring assistance.

Other cases

(3) The requirements set out in sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a person if

Exempted persons — compassionate grounds

28 (1) Subject to subsection (3), sections 22, 24 and 25 do not apply to a person if the Minister of Health

Conditions

(2) Subsection (1) applies while the person engages in one of the activities referred to in paragraph (1)(a) and if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19.

Exempted persons

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who

Orders made under Quarantine Act

(4) For the purposes of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, the non-application of sections 22, 24 and 25 under this section is a limited release from the requirement to quarantine on compassionate grounds.

Exempted persons — fully vaccinated persons

29 Sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a fully vaccinated person who enters Canada if the person

Exempted persons — less than 12 years of age

30 Sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a person who is not a fully vaccinated person and is less than 12 years of age if the person

Exempted persons — persons with contraindications

31 (1) Sections 22 to 25 do not apply to a person 12 years of age or older and who is not a fully vaccinated person if

Evidence — translation

(2) The evidence referred to in paragraph (1)(a) must be in English or French and any translation into English or French must be a certified translation.

Evidence — retention

(3) Every person who enters Canada and who is required to have in their possession the evidence referred to in paragraph (1)(a) must, during the applicable period referred to in paragraph 17(1)(a),

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or positive test result

32 (1) Every person, other than a person referred to in section 29, 30 or 33, who develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 15(1) or (3) or 16(1) that they are required to undergo, before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, must

Fully vaccinated person — section 29

(2) A person referred to in section 29 who develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or who receives a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 15(1) or (3) or 16(1) that they are required to undergo, before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, must

Persons less than 12 years of age

(3) If the person referred to in section 30 develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 15(1) or (3) or 16(1) that they are required to undergo, before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada,

Exposure to a person

(4) Every person, other than a person referred to in section 29 or subsection 33(2), who enters Canada after travelling with a person who exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada, must quarantine themselves in a place that meets the conditions set out in section 22 and must meet the requirements set out in Division 4 during the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person was most recently exposed to the other person.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or positive test result — cruise ship

33 (1) Every person who enters Canada on board a cruise ship and who disembarks the cruise ship after they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test or a COVID-19 antigen test before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada must isolate themselves in accordance with the requirements set out in Division 5.

Exposure to a person

(2) Every person, other than a person referred to in section 29, who enters Canada on board a cruise ship after travelling with a person who exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test before the expiry of the 14-day period that begins on the day on which that person enters Canada must, if they disembark from the cruise ship,

Suitable quarantine plan

(3) A quarantine plan for a person referred to in subsection (2) is suitable if, prior to the disembarkation of that person, the authorized representative of the cruise ship

Requirements — authorized representative

(4) An authorized representative of a cruise ship must

Exception — leaving Canada

34 A person to whom section 22 or 24 or subsection 32(4) or 33(2) applies may leave Canada before the expiry of the 14-day period set out in those provisions only if they quarantine themselves until they depart from Canada.

DIVISION 5

Isolation of Symptomatic Persons

Requirements — isolation

35 (1) Every person who enters Canada, other than a person who enters Canada on board a cruise ship, and who has reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19, knows that they have COVID-19 or has received a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test that was performed on a specimen collected less than 10 days before the day on which they enter Canada or on the day on which they enter Canada must

Cruise ship

(2) A person referred to in subsection 33(1) or a person who enters Canada on board a cruise ship and who has reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, exhibits signs and symptoms of COVID-19, knows that they have COVID-19 or has received a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test that was performed on a specimen collected less than 10 days before the day on which they enter Canada or on the day on which they enter Canada and who disembarks in Canada from the cruise ship must

Suitable isolation plan

(3) An isolation plan for a person referred to in subsection (2) is suitable if, prior to the disembarkation of that person, the authorized representative of the cruise ship

Requirements — authorized representative

(4) An authorized representative of a cruise ship must

Place of isolation — conditions

(5) The applicable conditions for the place of isolation are the following:

Additional requirements

36 A person who is required to isolate under this Part must

Unable to isolate

37 (1) A person referred to in subsection 32(1), (2) or (3) or 35(1) or (2) is considered unable to isolate themselves if

Quarantine facility or other suitable place

(2) A person who, at the time of entry into Canada or at any other time during the applicable isolation period referred to in subsection 32(1), (2) or (3) or 35(1) or subparagraph 35(2)(b)(ii), is considered unable to isolate themselves must

Change of place

(3) A person may, with the authorization of a quarantine officer, leave a quarantine facility or any place of isolation referred to in subparagraph (2)(b)(i) before the expiry of the applicable isolation period in order to isolate themselves in a place that meets the conditions set out in subsection 35(5), and must, if applicable, meet the requirements set out in section 36.

Choice of quarantine facility

(4) In choosing a quarantine facility for the purposes of subsection (2), the Chief Public Health Officer must consider the factors set out in subsection 24(4), with any necessary modifications.

Unable to isolate — additional requirements

38 The person referred to in subsection 37(2) or (3) must

Exempted persons — medical reason

39 (1) Sections 35 to 38 do not apply to a person who meets the requirements set out in subsection (3)

Accompanying person

(2) If the person to whom isolation requirements do not apply under subsection (1) is a dependent child, the exception in that subsection extends to one other person who accompanies the dependent child.

Requirements

(3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), the person must

Other cases

(4) The requirements set out in sections 35 to 38 do not apply to a person if

Positive result — requirements

40 If a person receives a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test referred to in subsection 15(1) or (3) or 16(1) that they are required to undergo while they isolate themselves for a reason other than having received a positive result for any type of COVID-19 test, the associated requirements continue to apply and the isolation period in progress is replaced by a new 10-day isolation period that begins on

Exception — leaving Canada

41 A person who must isolate themselves in accordance with this Order cannot leave Canada before the expiry of the applicable isolation period unless the person

DIVISION 6

Instruction to be Followed

Instruction provided after entry into Canada

42 For greater certainty, any instruction to be followed under this Part includes any instruction that is provided after the time of entry into Canada.

PART 4

Repeal and Effective Period

Repeal

43 The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Orderfootnote 1 is repealed.

Effective Period

June 27 to September 30, 2022

44 This Order has effect for the period beginning at 23:59:59 Eastern Daylight Time on June 27 and ending at 23:59:59 Eastern Daylight Time on September 30, 2022.

SCHEDULE 1

(Paragraph 4(5)(g))

Occupational Categories
Item

Column 1

Unit Group

Column 2

National Occupational Classification Code

1 Managers in agriculture 0821
2 Managers in horticulture 0822
3 Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers — retail and wholesale 6331
4 Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers 8252
5 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services 8255
6 General farm workers 8431
7 Nursery and greenhouse workers 8432
8 Harvesting labourers 8611
9 Process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated products processing 9461
10 Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers 9462
11 Fish and seafood plant workers 9463
12 Labourers in food and beverage processing 9617
13 Labourers in fish and seafood processing 9618

SCHEDULE 2

(Paragraphs 11(2)(a), 12(2)(a), 13(2)(a) and 15(2)(b))

Exempted Persons — COVID-19 Test Before Entering Canada

TABLE 1
Entering by Aircraft
Item Persons
1 A person who is less than five years of age
2 A crew member, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
3 A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer,
  • (a) there are compelling reasons, based on public interest, for their entry to provide an essential service; and
  • (b) the requirement referred to in subsection 11(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
4 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
5 An emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
6 An official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who is escorting an individual entering or leaving Canada pursuant to a legal process such as an international transfer of an offender or deportation or extradition of a person
7 An official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process
8 A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 11(1) of this Order is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
9 A member of the Canadian Forces who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of those forces
10 A member of an air crew of a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing mission-essential duties as a member of that force
11 A person who returns to Canada after suffering hardship in a foreign country, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
12 A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has
  • (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed to practise their profession in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and
  • (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed to practise their profession in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
13 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
14 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
15 A person who enters Canada by aircraft and who is not required under the Aeronautics Act to provide the evidence referred to in subsection 11(1) of this Order
16 Any person who takes a medical evacuation flight for medical purposes, if the urgency of the medical situation does not permit a COVID-19 molecular test or COVID-19 antigen test to be administered to the person before boarding the aircraft for the flight to Canada
17 A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada, who has been denied entry into a foreign country and who must board a flight destined to Canada
18 A person who plans to arrive at a Canadian airport on board an aircraft in order to transit to another country and to remain in a sterile transit area until they leave Canada
19 A person who enters Canada regularly to go to their normal place of employment or returns from their normal place of employment in another country and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
20 A person who made a claim for refugee protection when entering Canada from the United States
21 An operator of a commercial motor vehicle who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of delivering by land medically necessary supplies, equipment or devices
22 A person referred to in subsection 6(1) of this Order
23 A fully vaccinated person who provides the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination that they are required to provide under this Order by the means specified in this Order
24 A person who is not a fully vaccinated person and is less than 12 years of age and who enters Canada with one of their parents, step-parents, guardians or tutors who is a person referred to in item 23
TABLE 2
Entering by Land
Item Persons
1 A person who is less than five years of age
2 A crew member, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
3 A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer,
  • (a) there are compelling reasons, based on public interest, for their entry to provide an essential service; and
  • (b) the requirements referred to in subsection 12(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
4 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
5 An emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
6 An official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who is escorting an individual entering or leaving Canada pursuant to a legal process such as an international transfer of an offender or deportation or extradition of a person
7 An official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process
8 A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in subsection 12(1) of this Order is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
9 A member of the Canadian Forces who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of those forces
10 A person who returns to Canada after suffering hardship in a foreign country, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
11 A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has
  • (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed to practise their profession in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and
  • (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed to practise their profession in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
12 A person in the trade or transportation sector who is important for the movement of goods or people, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that sector, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
13 A person who enters Canada at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances:
  • (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing;
  • (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
14 A person who enters Canada regularly to go to their normal place of employment or returns from their normal place of employment in the United States and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
15 A habitual resident of the remote communities of Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who enters Canada to access the mainland United States or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while in Canada
16 A habitual resident of the remote communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who seeks to enter Canada to carry out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community, if the person intends to remain in those communities while in Canada and does not intend to transit from Canada to a community in the United States other than their community or to another country
17 A habitual resident of the remote community of Campobello Island, New Brunswick who returns to Campobello Island after carrying out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community that are in the United States, if the person remains in those communities while in the United States
18 A fully vaccinated person who enters Canada from the remote communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington
19 A fully vaccinated person who
  • (a) enters the remote community of Campobello Island, New Brunswick by land via the United States after having left mainland Canada; or
  • (b) enters mainland Canada by land via the United States after having left Campobello island, New Brunswick
20 A habitual resident of Akwesasne, which is an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border, who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out everyday functions within that community
21 A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
22 A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from sections 22 and 24 of this Order
23 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 22 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
24 A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
25 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 24 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
26 A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
27 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
28 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
29 A habitual resident of the remote community of Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having been in the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
30 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
31 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
32 A person who, in extraordinary circumstances, is released by a quarantine officer from the requirements referred to in subsection 12(1) of this Order, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer
33 A habitual resident of a place in Alaska who enters Canada via Yukon or British Columbia to access another place in Alaska or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while in Canada
34 A person who enters Canada from the United States with the intent to make a claim for refugee protection
35 An operator of a commercial motor vehicle who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of delivering by land medically necessary supplies, equipment or devices
36 A person referred to in subsection 6(1) of this Order
37 A fully vaccinated person who provides the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination that they are required to provide under this Order by the means specified in this Order
38 A person who is not a fully vaccinated person and is less than 12 years of age and who enters Canada with one of their parents, step-parents, guardians or tutors who is a person referred to in item 37
TABLE 3
Entering by Water
Item Persons
1 A person who is less than five years of age
2 A crew member, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
3 A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer,
  • (a) there are compelling reasons, based on public interest, for their entry to provide an essential service; and
  • (b) the requirements referred to in subsection 13(1) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
4 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
5 An emergency service provider, including a firefighter, peace officer or paramedic, who returns to Canada after providing emergency services in a foreign country and who is required to provide their services within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
6 An official of the Government of Canada or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who is escorting an individual entering or leaving Canada pursuant to a legal process such as an international transfer of an offender or deportation or extradition of a person
7 An official of the Government of Canada, the government of a province or a foreign government, including a border services officer, immigration enforcement officer, law enforcement officer or correctional officer, who enters Canada for the purposes of border, immigration or law enforcement, or national security activities, that support active investigations, ensure the continuity of enforcement operations or activities or enable the transfer of information or evidence pursuant to or in support of a legal process
8 A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in subsection 13(1) of this Order is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
9 A member of the Canadian Forces who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of those forces
10 A person who returns to Canada after suffering hardship in a foreign country, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
11 A person in the trade or transportation sector who is important for the movement of goods or people who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that sector, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
12 A person who enters Canada regularly to go to their normal place of employment or returns from their normal place of employment in the United States and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
13 A habitual resident of the remote communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who seeks to enter Canada to carry out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community, if the person remains in those communities while in Canada and does not intend to transit from Canada to a community in the United States other than their community or to another country
14 A habitual resident of the remote community of Campobello Island, New Brunswick who returns to Campobello Island after carrying out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community that are in the United States, if the person remained in those communities while in the United States
15 A habitual resident of Akwesasne, which is an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border, who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out everyday functions within that community
16 A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
17 A habitual resident of the remote community of Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having been in the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
18 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
19 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
20 A person who, in extraordinary circumstances, is released by a quarantine officer from the requirements referred to in subsection 13(1) of this Order, in which case the person must follow the instructions of the quarantine officer
21 A habitual resident of a place in Alaska who enters Canada via Yukon or British Columbia to access another place in Alaska or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while in Canada
22 A person who enters Canada by water on board a Safety Convention vessel as defined in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, that is not a pleasure craft as defined in that section, nor a vessel that carries passengers, if the Safety Convention vessel has been travelling for more than 72 hours before arriving at its destination in Canada
23 A person who made a claim for refugee protection when entering Canada from the United States
24 An operator of a commercial motor vehicle who seeks to enter Canada for the purpose of delivering by land medically necessary supplies, equipment or devices
25 A person referred to in subsection 6(1) of this Order
26 A fully vaccinated person who provides the evidence of COVID-19 vaccination that they are required to provide under this Order by the means specified in this Order
27 A person who is not a fully vaccinated person and is less than 12 years of age and who enters Canada with one of their parents, step-parents, guardians or tutors who is a person referred to in item 26

SCHEDULE 3

(Paragraphs 15(6)(a) and 19(2)(d) and section 26)

Exempted Persons — Various Requirements

TABLE 1
Quarantine
Item Persons
1 A person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in subsection 1(1) of this Order, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
2 A person who enters Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
3 A member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that force
4 A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer,
  • (a) there are compelling reasons, based on public interest, for their entry to provide an essential service; and
  • (b) the requirement to quarantine themselves in accordance with section 22 of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person to provide the essential service
5 A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in section 22 of this Order to quarantine themselves, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, is in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the relevant Minister and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
6 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
7 A person who enters Canada for the purpose of providing medical care, transporting or collecting essential medical equipment, supplies or means of treatment, or delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
8 A person who enters Canada for the purpose of receiving essential medical services or treatments, other than services or treatments related to COVID-19, within 36 hours following their entry into Canada, or within 96 hours following their entry into Canada if the person resides in Saint Pierre and Miquelon as long as they remain under medical supervision for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
9 A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has
  • (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed to practise their profession in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and
  • (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed to practise their profession in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
10 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a student in the health field and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
11 A health care practitioner licensed to practise their profession with proof of employment in Canada who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a practitioner and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
12 A person, including a captain, deckhand, observer, inspector, scientist and any other person supporting commercial or research fishing-related activities, who enters Canada on board a Canadian fishing vessel or a foreign fishing vessel, as those terms are defined in subsection 2(1) of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, for the purpose of carrying out fishing or fishing-related activities, including offloading of fish, repairs, provisioning of the vessel and exchange of crew
13 A habitual resident of Akwesasne, which is an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border, who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out everyday functions within that community
14 A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
15 A person who enters Canada on board a vessel that is engaged in research and that is operated by or under the authority of the Government of Canada or at its request or operated by the government of a province, a local authority or a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, if the person remains on board the vessel
16 A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from sections 22 and 24 of this Order
17 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 16 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
18 A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
19 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 18 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
20 A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
21 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
22 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
23 A habitual resident of the remote communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who enters Canada to carry out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community, if the person remains in those communities while in Canada and does not transit from Canada to a community in the United States other than their community or to another country
24 A habitual resident of the remote community of Campobello Island, New Brunswick who returns to Campobello Island after carrying out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community that are in the United States, if the person remains in those communities while in the United States
25 A habitual resident of the remote community of Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having entered the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
26 A person who enters Canada in a conveyance at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances, if neither the person nor any other person in the conveyance left the conveyance while outside Canada:
  • (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing;
  • (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
27 A person who, under an arrangement entered into between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters Canada, is participating in a project to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in this Order, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
28 A person or any person in a class of persons for whom the release from the requirements set out in section 22 of this Order to quarantine themselves, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
TABLE 2
Undergoing Tests in Canada
Item Persons
1 A person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition crew member in subsection 1(1) of this Order, excluding an operator of a commercial motor vehicle for the transport of goods by land who is not a fully vaccinated person
2 A person who enters Canada at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
3 A member of the Canadian Forces or a visiting force, as defined in section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a member of that force
4 A person or any member of a class of persons who complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19 and if, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer,
  • (a) there are compelling reasons, based on public interest, for their entry to provide an essential service; and
  • (b) the requirement to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test in accordance with subsection 15(1) or (3) of this Order would adversely affect the ability of the person or member of a class of persons to provide the essential service
5 A person or any member of a class of persons referred to in item 5 of Table 1 of this Schedule for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 15(1) or (3) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test is, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the relevant Minister and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
6 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a provider of emergency services under paragraph 186(t) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of providing those services
7 A person who enters Canada for the purpose of providing medical care, transporting or collecting essential medical equipment, supplies or means of treatment, or delivering, installing, maintaining or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
8 A person who enters Canada for the purpose of receiving essential medical services or treatments, other than services or treatments related to COVID-19, within 36 hours following their entry into Canada, or within 96 hours following their entry into Canada if the person resides in Saint Pierre and Miquelon as long as they remain under medical supervision for the 14-day period that begins on the day on which they enter Canada
9 A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act who resides in Canada and who received essential medical services or treatments in a foreign country, if the person has
  • (a) written evidence from a health care practitioner in Canada who is licensed to practise their profession in Canada, indicating that the medical services or treatments outside Canada are essential, unless the services or treatments are for primary or emergency medical services under an agreement with another jurisdiction; and
  • (b) written evidence from a health care practitioner in the foreign country who is licensed to practise their profession in the foreign country, indicating that the services or treatments were provided in that country
10 A person who is permitted to work in Canada as a student in a health field under paragraph 186(p) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a student in the health field and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
11 A health care practitioner licensed to practise their profession with proof of employment in Canada who enters Canada for the purpose of performing their duties as a practitioner and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
12 A person, including a captain, deckhand, observer, inspector, scientist and any other person supporting commercial or research fishing-related activities, who enters Canada on board a Canadian fishing vessel or a foreign fishing vessel, as those terms are defined in subsection 2(1) of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, for the purpose of carrying out fishing or fishing-related activities, including offloading of fish, repairs, provisioning of the vessel and exchange of crew
13 A habitual resident of Akwesasne, which is an integrated transborder community that exists on both sides of the Canada-United States border, who enters Canada within the boundaries of that community, if entering Canada is necessary for carrying out everyday functions within that community
14 A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
15 A person who enters Canada on board a vessel that is engaged in research and that is operated by or under the authority of the Government of Canada or at its request or operated by the government of a province, a local authority or a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, if the person remains on board the vessel
16 A student who is enrolled at a listed institution within the meaning of any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to go to that institution, if the government of the province and the local health authority of the place where that institution is located have indicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada that the institution is authorized to accommodate students who are exempted from sections 22 and 24 of this Order
17 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 16 or to pick the student up from that institution, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
18 A student who is enrolled at an educational institution in the United States, who attends that institution regularly and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after attending that institution and who, if they are not a fully vaccinated person, does not directly care for persons 65 years of age or older within the 14-day period that begins on the day on which the person enters Canada
19 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off a student enrolled in an institution referred to in item 18 or picking the student up from that institution and who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence after dropping off or picking up that student, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the student to or from that institution and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
20 A dependent child who enters Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting
21 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada to drop off or pick up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver leaves the conveyance while in Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wear a mask while outside the conveyance
22 A driver of a conveyance who enters Canada after dropping off or picking up a dependent child under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting, if the driver left the conveyance while outside Canada, if at all, only to escort the dependent child to or from the conveyance and they wore a mask while outside the conveyance
23 A habitual resident of the remote community of Stewart, British Columbia who enters Canada after having entered the United States only to access the necessities of life from the closest American community where such necessities of life are available
24 A habitual resident of the remote communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who enters Canada to carry out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community, if the person remains in those communities while in Canada and does not transit from Canada to a community in the United States other than their community or to another country
25 A habitual resident of the remote community of Campobello Island, New Brunswick who returns to Campobello Island after carrying out everyday functions within neighbouring communities of their community that are in the United States, if the person remained in those communities while in the United States
26 A person who enters Canada in a conveyance at a land border crossing in either of the following circumstances, if neither the person nor any other person in the conveyance left the conveyance while outside Canada:
  • (a) the person was denied entry into the United States at the land border crossing;
  • (b) the person entered the territory of the United States but did not seek legal entry into the United States at the land border crossing
27 A person who, under an arrangement entered into between the Minister of Health and the minister responsible for health care in the province where the person enters Canada, is participating in a project to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in this Order, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
28 A person or any person in a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 15(1) or(3) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test does not, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, pose a risk of significant harm to public health, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Chief Public Health Officer to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
29 A person who is less than five years of age
30 A person who provides to the screening officer or quarantine officer evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test indicating that they received a positive result for a COVID-19 molecular test that was performed on a specimen collected no more than 180 days before their entry into Canada or before the aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time
31 Any person who boards a medical evacuation flight for medical purposes, if the urgency of the medical situation does not permit a COVID-19 molecular test on entry into Canada
32 Any person who undergoes a test referred to in subsection 16(1) of this Order
33 A habitual resident of Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, who enters Canada to access the mainland United States or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while in Canada
34 A person or any member of a class of persons for whom the release from the requirement set out in subsection 15(1) or (3) of this Order to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test in Canada is, as determined by the Minister of Health, in the national interest, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
35 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Transport, will respond to, investigate or prevent significant disruptions to the effective continued operation of the national transportation system, transportation undertakings or transportation infrastructure, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Transport and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
36 A person who, as determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, will respond to, investigate or prevent events related to national security, if the person complies with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and developed in consultation with the Minister of Health to minimize the risk of introduction or spread of COVID-19
37 An accredited person and a person holding a D1, O1 or C1 visa entering Canada to take up a post and become an accredited person
38 A diplomatic or consular courier
39 A habitual resident of a place in Alaska who enters Canada via Yukon or British Columbia to access another place in Alaska or to return to their place of residence if neither they nor any other person in the conveyance leave the conveyance while in Canada
40 A person who enters Canada by water
41 A passenger of a cruise ship who, after disembarking from the cruise ship,
  • (a) enters Canada by aircraft or by land in the course of an excursion; and
  • (b) intends to return to the cruise ship at the end of the excursion

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order.)

Proposal

This Order in Council, entitled Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order, is made pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act.

The Order repeals and replaces the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order Orders in Council P.C. 2022-567, which came into force on May 31, 2022.

This Order complements any related interim order made under the Aeronautics Act and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to minimize the risk of importing COVID-19.

This Order will be in effect from 23:59:59 EDT on June 27, 2022, until 23:59:59 EDT on September 30, 2022.

Objective

This Order implements prohibitions on entry and public health requirements to decrease the risk of introducing and spreading COVID-19 and its new variants into Canada, in order to protect the health of Canadians and mitigate potential burden on the health care system.

As was the case with the previous Order, this Order continues to prohibit certain foreign nationals from entering Canada from any country, subject to narrow exceptions, based on their vaccination status. The Order requires all persons who enter Canada, whether by air, land, or water, to provide accurate contact information for the first 14 days in Canada, and to answer questions to determine if they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Travellers are required to submit their required information in the ArriveCAN electronic system. The Order continues to prohibit entry to foreign nationals with COVID-19, including those who suspect they may have COVID-19 for any reason and those who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, subject to certain narrow exceptions.

The Order maintains all requirements for unvaccinated travellers, subject to limited exceptions, to have a valid COVID-19 negative test result before entering Canada (or positive result in some cases), to undergo testing when entering and once again later in the 14-day post-entry period, and to quarantine upon entry into Canada.

Under this Order, and associated instruments, mandatory traveller declarations on vaccination status, proof of vaccination, and randomized testing requirements for fully vaccinated persons remain. Under the Order, a fully vaccinated person is considered to be someone who has received a primary vaccine series,footnote 2 and to benefit from the measures available to fully vaccinated persons a traveller must meet certain pre-arrival and post-arrival criteria. All changes to the Order are described under the “Implications” section.

The new Order extends the duration of the measures until September 30, 2022.

Background

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus capable of causing severe illness, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is part of a family of viruses that includes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious.

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease is caused by a strain of coronavirus never before seen in humans. Information about the virus, how it causes disease, whom it affects, and how to appropriately treat or prevent illness has been developing over the past two years. Information continues to develop and evolve as new variants of the virus emerge.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from an infected person to others through short- and long-range aerosols when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks. The droplets vary in size, from large droplets that fall to the ground rapidly (within seconds or minutes) near the infected person, to smaller droplets, sometimes called aerosols, which linger in the air in some circumstances.

COVID-19 can be a severe, life-threatening respiratory disease. Patients with COVID-19 may present with symptoms that may include fever, malaise, dry cough, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death. Older individuals, unvaccinated persons and those with a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of severe disease. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms can vary considerably among those infected, with an estimated median of 5 to 6 days; evidence suggests this may be shorter for the Omicron variant. Approximately 95% of those infected will develop symptoms within 14 days of exposure. Evidence indicates that the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19, who have a healthy immune system may transmit the virus up to 10 days after becoming infectious.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an outbreak of what is now known as COVID-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 has demonstrated that it can cause widespread illness if not controlled. The WHO continues to provide technical guidance and advice to countries for controlling the pandemic, including identification of cases and recommendations for measures to prevent further spread. Since September 2020, multiple countries have detected SARS-CoV-2 variants whose mutations may increase pathogenicity and/or transmissibility, and potentially reduce vaccine effectiveness; these are referred to as variants of concern. The introduction of the new, more transmissible variants of concern of the virus causing COVID-19 has increased the negative health impacts of COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

While COVID-19 is still circulating in Canada, nationally, spread and severity indicators, including daily case counts, lab test positivity, and wastewater signals, are stabilizing with most areas continuing to decline. Modelling indicates continued declines through the early part of summer 2022, and provinces, territories and municipalities continue to ease public health measures.

However, some areas in Canada continue to experience relatively higher cases, severity and/or demands on the local health care system. Canada is also seeing increased spread of several Omicron sub-lineages as a proportion of reported cases, including BA.2.12.1, and increasing numbers of BA.4 and BA.5. As of June 2022, these sub-lineages are demonstrating significant growth advantages in several countries over BA.2, for example BA.2.12.1 in the United States (US), BA.4 and BA.5 in South Africa, and BA.5 in Portugal. This demonstrates the need for Canada to remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination continues to protect Canadians from severe health outcomes, with hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates lower among the vaccinated population than those who are unvaccinated. This is most pronounced for those who have supplemented their primary vaccination series with an additional dose.

Based on these factors, effective February 28, 2022, the Government of Canada issued a Travel Health Notice of Level 2, meaning that the Government ceased recommending that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes and is instead advising travellers to practise enhanced health precautions when travelling internationally.

Testing

Testing capabilities advanced significantly in early 2021. Many countries that still have pre-arrival test requirements are narrowing the application — for example in India and France the requirement only applies to unvaccinated travellers. On June 10, 2022, the US announced they would rescind their Order requiring air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documents of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding an inbound flight beginning on June 12, 2022. The US does not currently require testing for entry at the land border.

Many countries across Europe and the US have recently relaxed several COVID-19 measures, including testing and quarantine entry requirements. Likewise, Canada’s high vaccination rates and epidemiological situation supported lifting of pre-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers as of April 1, 2022. Pre-arrival testing requirements remain in place for unvaccinated travellers 5 years of age or older, except for children under the age of 12 if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult, to protect against the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada and to reduce the potential burden on the health care system.

As is the case with many other viruses, a person may continue to obtain a positive molecular test result for a period of time after their infection, even though they may no longer be considered infectious. The Order continues to recognize that positive molecular test results of previously infected individuals, for tests performed on a specimen collected from 10 to 180 days prior to travel/border crossing, are not considered evidence of a new infection posing risk, but rather that a person has recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection. Since a positive test result may inadvertently prevent a recovered patient from entering Canada, acceptable proof of prior infection from an asymptomatic traveller is accepted as an alternative to a negative pre-arrival test. Requiring that prior positive test results be performed on a specimen collected at least 10 days before the initial scheduled departure (by air) or arrival time (by land) allows for the time needed to become non-infectious, thus preventing those persons who may be infectious from travelling and possibly transmitting COVID-19 upon travel to Canada. Due to the possibility of a false positive result from a rapid antigen test, a positive molecular test result will continue to be required as proof of a previous positive COVID-19 infection.

On June 10, 2022, a temporary suspension of mandatory randomized testing of fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada by air was announced in order to allow a transition to off-site testing. This temporary suspension (from June 11, 2022, to June 30, 2022) is not expected to adversely impact monitoring of variants of concern due to its short duration and ongoing mandatory random testing at the land borders. Although airports provide an important source of variant of concern data, the time frame for signal response and risk assessment of such data is greater than a three-week period, the anticipated duration of the suspension. The public health risk of not having mandatory random testing in airports for that period is considered acceptable.

Vaccination

A technological development assisting in pandemic control measures is COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Against earlier variants of concern such as Delta, two doses of the vaccine decreased symptomatic and asymptomatic infection and hence could reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, effectiveness varied depending on the COVID-19 vaccine product received and decreased over time, following vaccination. Despite the proven efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, Omicron has been reported to have a high number of concerning mutations, including mutations to the spike protein, which is the target of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, as well as in locations thought to be potential drivers of transmissibility. This variant of concern is able to spread faster than previous variants (e.g. Delta). This is the case with Omicron sub-lineage, BA.2, which has a growth advantage over the first detected sub-lineage, BA.1 due to its genetic sequence and differences in the spike protein. However, preliminary findings do not suggest a significant difference in severity between the two sub-lineages. Against Omicron and its sub-lineages, a primary vaccine series provides some protection against symptomatic or asymptomatic infection though for a modest period of time, but still offers reasonable protection against severe disease. A booster dose increases protection against severe disease, as well as against infection but protection remains lower than the protection against earlier variants such as Delta.

The emergence of variants of concern is driven by mutation of the virus within its current host and how those mutations impact transmission to a subsequent host. Virus transmission is linked to population vaccine coverage and the higher the level of transmission the more chances the virus has to evolve. The two main factors for emergence of a variant are the number of people infected at a given time and the duration of those infections. As such, the key contributors to variants of concern emergence are the number of active infections and their duration within individuals across a population, combined with the frequency of opportunity to transmit to a new host. Despite the fact that immunity wanes over time, COVID-19 vaccination reduces both the number of infections and their duration, thus reducing the number of mutations generated and transmitted within a given population. Consequently, emergence of variants of concern may be more likely to occur in less vaccinated populations, which remain a concern especially given the persistence of limited COVID-19 vaccine access and/or uptake in many countries, along with the use of less effective vaccines.

Globally, 66.3% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 60.6% are fully vaccinated with a 1-dose regimen or 2-dose regimen COVID-19 vaccine series, as of June 9, 2022. While 74.9% of people in high-income countries have been fully vaccinated, only 17.8% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose. Vaccine accessibility remains a challenge, especially for children and adolescents as some countries are still experiencing issues administering primary series and/or booster doses. In those countries still administering primary series, vaccines will improve protection against infection and transmission, for a time.

As of June 15, 2022, approximately 85% of the Canadian population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with almost 82% having received two doses, and 48.6% having completed the primary series as well as having received an additional dose. Over 56% of children ages 5 to 11 have received at least one dose. By comparison, as of June 9, 2022, 78% of the total US population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, 66.7% are fully vaccinated with a 1-dose regimen or 2-dose regimen COVID-19 vaccine series and of those who are fully vaccinated 47% have received a booster dose.

The US requires all non-US citizens and non-US immigrants to be fully vaccinated (2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine) against COVID-19 to be permitted entry into the country through ports of entry — whether for essential or nonessential reasons, and to provide related proof of vaccination upon request. There are some exceptions for unvaccinated non-US citizens arriving by air, and these include, but are not limited to, persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel, children under 18 years of age, persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, and persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception.

As of June 10, 2022, Canada’s current list of accepted vaccines for the purposes of entry, the requirement for quarantine and other exemptions, includes ten COVID-19 vaccines that have currently completed the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process. The vaccination regimens considered suitably effective for these vaccines were approved on a case-by-case basis by the Minister of Health, for border purposes. Five of these vaccines (and an additional vaccine which has not yet received WHO EUL approval), are currently authorized by Health Canada for sale and use in Canada. WHO EUL review of new COVID-19 vaccines is an ongoing process, which is part of efforts made to increase vaccine availability and access worldwide. Canada considers new COVID-19 vaccines for border entry purposes based on the available scientific data and, where applicable, review undertaken by the WHO.

Transportation sector

On March 7, 2022, the Government of Canada adjusted the Cruise Ship Travel Notice and removed the blanket advisory to ’avoid all cruise ship travel’. Travellers were advised to make an informed decision about cruise travel, based on traveller’s vaccination status. This direction aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who updated their advice on February 15, 2022, and no longer recommended that travellers avoid all cruise ship travel. Travellers who are immunocompromised or at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are urged to discuss precautions ahead of, during and after their cruise voyage with their health care provider.

The cruise ship season began in April 2022. The Government of Canada requires all travellers arriving by cruise ship to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. Vaccination requirements are verified by the authorized representative of a cruise ship prior to embarkation as a requirement under an Interim Order (IO) made under Transport Canada’s legislation, the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. The vaccination requirements under the Transport Canada IO are generally aligned with those in the emergency order made under the Quarantine Act. Similar to air mode, authorized representatives are advised that foreign nationals who do not meet the requirements in the emergency order will be prohibited entry into Canada and they are prevented from transporting these individuals into Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act [paragraph 148(1)(a)] and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations [paragraph 258.1(c)].

Canada restarted its cruise ship industry on April 10, 2022, and cruise ships have been arriving at Canadian ports through the beginning of the spring season. All cases of COVID-19 on board have been managed by the cruise operator through testing, isolation and adherence to public health measures on board the vessel. The Government of Canada continues to provide advice and support to operators, and the risk to Canadian port communities from COVID-19 on board cruise ships continues to remain low.

On June 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced that it is suspending the vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel effective June 20, 2022. As such, proof of vaccination is no longer a requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada. However, due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, including the fact that passengers are in close contact with each other for extended periods of time, vaccination against COVID-19 will continue to be required for passengers and crew on cruise ships. Additionally, adherence to strict public health requirements for pre-embarkation of cruise ships will continue including proof of a valid COVID-19 negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time, or a negative antigen test taken no more than 2 days before the scheduled departure time.

In the US, cruise ships have been operating passenger voyages since the summer of 2021. The CDC has maintained oversight of these voyages through its voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships in US waters, where operator participation requires ships to follow all the CDC recommendations and guidance as a condition of their enrollment. Cruise line engagement in the Program has been strong with 100% of the ships sailing in US waters on June 9, 2022, enrolled in the CDC Program for Cruise Ships. CDC measures applicable to ships that have opted into the Program include surveillance through daily reporting, COVID-19 testing for crew members, symptomatic travellers as well as their close contacts, and isolation of confirmed cases.

Other measures

Even at current levels of vaccination coverage, individual public health measures, such as staying home when sick, mask wearing, and improving ventilation, continue to be effective and important interventions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures can help individuals protect themselves, protect those at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19, and potentially contribute to an overall reduction of health care and public health systems potentially being overwhelmed.

Requiring that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons wear masks in public places remains an effective public health measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Evidence suggests that mask use decreases transmission in the community when adherence levels are good and when masks are worn in accordance with public health guidance.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to recommend individuals wear masks in public indoor settings, as masks are one of the most effective individual public health measures that can be used to protect people from COVID-19. Individuals should feel free to wear a mask even if it is not required in their community or setting. Mask wearing is especially important for individuals that are: at risk of more severe disease or outcomes; around others that are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes; visiting a group living setting; or in a crowded or poorly ventilated setting.

COVID-19 situation globally

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases reported globally is now over 534 million and the number of deaths exceeds 6.3 million. For the week of May 30 to June 5, 2022, the global number of new cases reported was approximately 3.0 million. While this is a 12% decrease as compared to the previous week, the continued large number of weekly case counts are driven by the circulation of the more transmissible Omicron variant and its sub-lineages, most notably BA.2, and more recently BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 in some countries, the easing of domestic public health and border measures, increased social mixing, and low global vaccine coverage.

According to the WHO weekly report, as of June 5, 2022, the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asian regions reported increases in the incidence of weekly cases (+19% and +1%, respectively), while all other regions reported decreases. The Region of the Americas, reporting over 1.1 million new cases in the week of May 30 to June 5, 2022 (a 1% decrease from the week prior), accounted for 37% of the new cases reported globally. The Western Pacific, reporting over 1.0 million cases over this same week (a 19% decrease from the week prior), accounted for 35% of all new global cases.

Many countries across WHO Regions are reporting decreases in COVID-19 cases with the exception of the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asian regions. However, as countries ease border and domestic COVID-19 measures for fully vaccinated persons and implement testing policies to target at risk populations, the infection rate internationally of the disease is unknown and is likely higher than reported. As of June 5, 2022, the countries reporting the highest number of cases in the previous seven days as compared to the prior week were the US (0.66 million new cases; 11% decrease), China (0.53 million new cases; 8% decrease), Australia (0.22 million new cases; 25% decrease), Brazil (0.22 million new cases; 36% increase), and Germany (0.22 million new cases; 16% increase). The US continues to experience very high Omicron-driven COVID-19 activity across the country, with BA.2.12.1 being the dominant sub-lineage (representing approximately 62.2% of sequenced cases in the week of May 29 to June 4, 2022, as estimated by Nowcast modelling), with over 117 000 daily new cases reported in the week of May 31 to June 6, 2022, representing a 51% increase from the previous month. The domestic test positivity in the US remains high at 13.9% as of June 6, 2022.

Since fall of 2020, more transmissible variants of the virus have been detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, India and multiple other countries, which then spread to other places around the globe, including the US and Canada, contributing to increased transmission. Canada continues to monitor the international situation, including activity related to Omicron sub-lineages BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5, and recombinants such as XE (a variant that occurs when the genetic material of two different variants combines in a single cell). At this time, the likelihood and impacts of a new wave of COVID-19 driven by these, or other variants, recombinants and/or sub-lineages, is unknown. However, a moderate increase in overall case numbers in the next 4-8 weeks, as a result of BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5, is a probable expectation in Canada.

In July 2021, the WHO updated an interim guidance document providing national authorities with a step-by-step approach to decision-making for calibrating risk mitigation measures and establishing policies to allow for safe international travel, but currently, there is no internationally accepted standard for establishing travel thresholds or assessing a country’s COVID-19 risk. At this time, it is the view of the Government of Canada that travel continues to present a risk of importing cases, including cases of new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, and increases the potential for onward community transmission of COVID-19. With international inequities and discrepancies relating to vaccine access and uptake, efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern continue.

Surveillance data gathered by the CDC shows that since December 21, 2021, case counts and positivity rate onboard cruise ships operating in US waters have decreased. The sixth wave observed in CDC data between April and May 2022 showed a manageable increase in positivity rate due to the emergence of Omicron sub-lineage BA.2; however, these dynamics have since begun to stabilize. During the Omicron wave, cases peaked in the 7-day period between January 7 and January 13, 2022, reaching a positivity rate of 3.83%. In contrast, reporting data for the 7-day period between June 3 to June 9, 2022, shows a positivity rate of 1.03%. Since late December 2021, counts of medical interventions related to COVID-19 (including hospitalizations, requirements for mechanical ventilation and emergency medical evacuations) have fluctuated on a weekly basis.

COVID-19 situation in Canada

While COVID-19 is still circulating in Canada, disease activity indicators continue to decline nationally. National-level laboratory test positivity during the latest 7-day period (June 1 to June 7, 2022) remained elevated at 8.4%; however, it has been declining for several weeks and wastewater signals in most locations appear to be showing a plateau or a decrease.

While Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants, available evidence indicates it is less severe than previous variants, and vaccines continue to be effective, especially against severe outcomes. For the period April 11 to May 8, 2022, the hospitalizations and death rates among the unvaccinated were 3 and 5 times higher, respectively, compared to those fully vaccinated and 5 and 7 times higher, respectively, than those fully vaccinated and who received a booster dose.

Canada has seen a 40% decrease in the number of travellers arriving internationally (from the US and all other countries) in May 2022 compared to May 2019 (pre-pandemic). However, there has been a 500% increase in the number of travellers arriving internationally (from the US and all other countries) in May 2022 compared to May 2021. Prior to March 2020, all known cases of COVID-19 in Canada were the result of international exposure. The Government of Canada’s international border restrictions in March 2020 were effective in initially reducing the travel-related number of COVID-19 cases as a result of decreased volume of travellers permitted entry, and cases have since fluctuated with the global trend. In February 2021, on-arrival COVID-19 testing was implemented for international travellers arriving into Canada. As of June 8, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada has received over 4.94 million test results from travellers arriving into Canada between February 21, 2021, and June 4, 2022, who were tested under this program. With the emergence of the Omicron variant in late November 2021, and its subsequent spread across the globe, test positivity among both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated travellers increased, peaking in early January 2022. In the week ending June 4, 2022, test positivity for unvaccinated (subject to pre-arrival testing) and fully vaccinated travellers (not subject to pre-arrival testing) was 3.19% and 3.64%, respectively. Although lower than during the peak-Omicron period, test positivity remains higher than pre-Omicron levels, for both traveller groups.

The Canada Border Testing Program has detected over 100 000 cases of COVID-19 in arriving international travellers since it was implemented in February 2021. Both pre-arrival and post-arrival testing contribute to reduced secondary transmission in Canadian communities. There is some evidence in scientific literature that each infected international traveller passes the virus on to at least one or two other people. Interrupting these transmission chains through border testing continues to be an important contribution to reducing pressure on Canada’s health care systems during successive waves of COVID-19 and to protecting Canada’s vulnerable populations. Pre-arrival testing requirements remain in place for unvaccinated travellers notably for these reasons, and possible increased risk of introducing new variants.

A certain proportion of travellers entering Canada will require clinical care. In addition, infected travellers can cause secondary transmission to household members or in the community. If travellers are to continue to enter Canada, it is important to reduce the risk of travellers introducing cases of COVID-19, including new variants of concern into Canada, as much as possible. Based on current review of international experience with new variants, maintaining measures that leverage the availability of testing technologies, combined with aggressive vaccination programs, are necessary to help further reduce the spread of COVID-19 or introduction and spread of new variants of concern in Canada.

Government of Canada response to COVID-19 pandemic

The Government of Canada’s top priority is the health and safety of Canadians. To limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada, the Government of Canada has taken unprecedented action to implement a comprehensive strategy with layers of precautionary measures.

Between February 3, 2020, and May 31, 2022, 79 emergency orders were made under the Quarantine Act to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Canada, to reduce the risk of importation from other countries, to repatriate Canadians, and to strengthen measures at the border to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Canada. Together, these measures have been effective in significantly reducing the number of travel-related cases.

Changes to international travel restrictions and advice are based on national and international evidence-based risk assessments. The Government of Canada recognizes that entry prohibitions, mandatory quarantine requirements, vaccination programs, and testing protocols place significant burdens on the Canadian economy, Canadians, and their immediate and extended families.

The Government of Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures for fully vaccinated travellers is grounded in meeting specific public health criteria, and based on scientific evidence and the epidemiological situation in Canada and globally. Effective July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers eligible to enter Canada were granted an exemption from quarantine, subject to meeting the applicable requirements, including providing proof of vaccination. Then, effective August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents arriving from the US were allowed to enter Canada for optional or discretionary purposes; and as of September 7, 2021, fully vaccinated foreign nationals from all countries were allowed to enter Canada for optional or discretionary purposes and exempted from quarantine, subject to conditions. Effective January 15, 2022, the Government of Canada shifted border measure restrictions from purpose of travel to vaccination status of the traveller and introduced additional limitation on entry of unvaccinated foreign nationals. Effective April 1, 2022, pre-arrival testing requirements and additional post-border requirements were removed for fully vaccinated travellers and, on April 25, 2022, pre-arrival testing requirements for unvaccinated children under 12 years of age who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent/guardian were also removed. Additionally, as of April 25, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers, their accompanying unvaccinated children under 12, or persons with medical contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination are no longer required to provide a suitable quarantine plan in ArriveCAN prior to entry. Finally, fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to report the development of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 to the Government of Canada, enter into the 14-day federal quarantine period upon direct exposure to another COVID-19 positive traveller, or wear a mask for the period of 14 days post-entry.

With respect to cruise travel, in November 2021, the Government of Canada lifted the prohibition on cruise ships in Canadian waters for operators and travellers and requires them to fully comply with public health requirements under the emergency order made pursuant to the Quarantine Act. Transport Canada issued Interim Order No. 3 Respecting Vessel Restrictions and Vaccination Requirements Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Vaccines are a critical tool in supporting the resumption of fuller societal functioning and to safely increase immunity. High levels of vaccination coverage are associated with decreases in hospitalizations and deaths (and corresponding decreased strain on critical care resources). Restricting the entry of unvaccinated travellers remains an important strategy for preventing the introduction and the spread of COVID-19 and its variants into Canada and to reduce the potential burden on the health care system. The Government continues to closely assess scientific evidence surrounding COVID-19 in Canada and internationally, and will adjust requirements at its international borders as needed to help protect Canadians.

Many countries continue to experience COVID-19 transmission and have different levels of vaccination coverage, factors which may lead to the emergence of new and potentially unpredictable variants of concern. It is also important to note that following a decrease in COVID-19 cases globally in the summer of 2021, a new more transmissible variant emerged, which seriously strained public health resources in Canada. In response, the Government of Canada introduced additional public health measures. Notably, in November 2021, the Government introduced the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada — Specified Countries) which prohibited entry of foreign national travellers, with limited exceptions, who had, in the prior 14 days, been in a country where, as determined by the Chief Public Health Officer, there was an outbreak or a risk of having an outbreak of the Omicron variant. In January 2022, this authority was granted to the Minister of Health through the Entry Order P.C. 2022-041.

The unexpected emergence of new variants of concern remains a serious public health concern given the potential for a resurgence of travel-related and domestic cases in Canada in the fall of 2022. As such, there is a need to maintain a precautionary approach and readiness stance in order to respond quickly and effectively.

With new and often more transmissible variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 emerging in countries around the world, the Government of Canada will continue to take a data-driven, scientific evidence-based, and precautionary approach to its border measures for travellers entering Canada. While easing some targeted measures, the Government of Canada is therefore maintaining some measures for signal detection of new variants of concern while recognizing the effectiveness of high levels of vaccination coverage and availability of therapeutics to treat current variants of COVID-19.

Implications

Key impacts for travellers entering Canada

As was the case under the previous Order, the new Order continues to prohibit entry to foreign nationals who know they have COVID-19, have reasonable grounds to suspect they may have COVID-19, or are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, subject to certain narrow exceptions. The enforcement of the prohibition on entry for foreign nationals who arrive exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, despite having appeared healthy prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel, may be deferred to the extent required to maintain public health and ensure the safety of the commercial transportation system. Persons with right of entry in the same circumstances continue to be required to isolate in a suitable place for ten days. The Order will continue to require all travellers arriving in Canada by land, air, and water to submit information on the countries they were in during the 14 days prior to entry. They are also required to provide accurate contact information and quarantine plans, or only their contact information in the case of certain persons exempted from quarantine. This information, and other mandatory electronic information submissions, must be provided to the Minister of Health using the ArriveCAN application or web portal, with limited exceptions. The requirement for all unvaccinated travellers (including travellers with medical contraindications) arriving by land, air, and water to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result pre-arrival, unless otherwise exempt or having a prior positive molecular test taken between 10 and 180 days prior to entry, remains. Fully vaccinated travellers and their accompanying unvaccinated children under 12 years, continue to remain exempted from pre-arrival testing.

Due to a number of factors including, variable vaccination coverage in different regions of the world, risks associated with variants of concern, and the potential for further strain on the Canadian health system the Government of Canada will maintain the quarantine and testing requirements from the previous Order for unvaccinated travellers. While Canada recovers from the latest wave of COVID-19, driven by the Omicron variant and its sub-lineages, many other countries continue to report very high rates of infection. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its variants. As such, numerous countries, like Canada and the US, continue to require foreign nationals, with few exceptions, to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Canada’s entry requirements continue to be necessary to reduce the risk of importation of COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccination can also help reduce severe outcomes and hospitalizations, which put pressure on the Canadian health system. In addition, travellers arriving in Canada from international destinations who are not fully vaccinated continue to be subject to multiple public health measures, including pre-entry testing, quarantine, and in-Canada testing requirements.

Information and evidence of vaccination must generally be provided to the Minister of Health by the electronic means specified by the Minister, namely ArriveCAN, the official application/web portal for electronic submissions required under the Order. To streamline and clarify ArriveCAN requirements, the new Order requires all air passengers to submit information on vaccination and, if fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination, via ArriveCAN, before boarding a flight to Canada. This removes the distinction that previously existed between foreign nationals entering on the basis of being fully vaccinated (who had to submit this information and proof prior to boarding) and all other travellers (who had to submit this information and proof before entering Canada).

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals seeking to enter by land must continue to submit their evidence of vaccination before entering Canada, while those entering by water must do so before or when entering Canada.

The Order will continue to permit the entry of fully vaccinated foreign nationals arriving for any purpose, as long as they have complied with all applicable measures under the Order. To benefit from eased measures, fully vaccinated travellers must continue to submit, generally via ArriveCAN evidence of COVID-19 vaccination with a primary vaccine series accepted by the Minister of Health.

Unvaccinated foreign national travellers continue to only be permitted entry if they meet one of the exemptions in the Order and are compliant with any applicable measures under the Order. This includes generally submitting information via ArriveCAN and providing their pre-entry COVID-19 test evidence before boarding a flight to Canada. When entering by land or water, unvaccinated travellers must have this evidence in their possession and provide it upon request.

The new Order also removes the additional enhanced measures (mandatory testing and quarantine pending negative test) for fully vaccinated irregular asylum seekers who arrive without a valid pre-arrival test and any unvaccinated accompanying dependants less than 12 years of age. This cohort will now be subject to the same measures as other fully vaccinated travellers since data demonstrate they have similar risk profiles.

Under the new Order, a person subject to isolation, and who remains in isolation on board a cruise ship for the duration of their time in Canada will no longer require permission from a Quarantine Officer (QO) to depart Canada. Strict public health measures with requirements for testing and isolation are in place on cruise ships to manage positive cases. Specifically, a Transport Canada Interim Order places a requirement on operators to ensure isolation requirements are met and adhered to by cruise ship passengers. The operator’s guidelines for how they intend to meet the isolation requirements are articulated in mandatory COVID-19 Management Plans and Ship to Shore Checklists, and the operator is required to report the number of passenger and/or crew who are isolating while in Canadian waters. With these measures in place to mitigate the risk of spread of communicable disease, there is a decreased public health risk for Canadians and no longer a need for a QO to authorize their departure from Canada.

The Order will continue to exempt travellers who are fully vaccinated, those with a medical contraindication to a vaccine as well as unvaccinated children less than 12 who are accompanied by fully vaccinated travellers from the requirement to quarantine, as long as they have complied with all applicable measures stated in the Order. These include: information and evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, undergoing any required post-arrival COVID-19 molecular test, and if they are an accompanied child under the age of 12 that they monitor themselves (or be monitored by a parent/guardian) for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 as applicable. For persons with a medical contraindication, they need to possess written confirmation that they have a contraindication, have undergone their pre-arrival COVID-19 test, undergo any required post-arrival COVID-19 molecular test, avoid all contact with vulnerable persons, monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and comply with all conditions imposed on them by the Minister of Health. Fully vaccinated travellers remain exempt under the new Order from the requirement to mask in public areas. However masking requirements may nonetheless apply under other federal requirements, such as for air and rail passengers, and travellers must wear a mask at all times when they are in the customs and border processing area. Fully vaccinated travellers will also continue to be exempt from the requirement to keep a list of close contacts for the 14 days post-entry under this Order and are not required to enter into quarantine if one of their travelling companions develops signs and symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of entry. Unvaccinated persons will still be required to quarantine for 14 days from the day upon which they entered Canada and undergo on-arrival and post-arrival COVID-19 molecular testing, subject to limited exceptions.

As in the prior Order, any traveller entering who has COVID-19, who suspects they may have COVID-19 for any reason, or who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, is required to isolate immediately for 10 days in a suitable place. This also applies to travellers who undergo tests in Canada pursuant to the Order and who receive a positive result, or those unvaccinated travellers in quarantine who develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Furthermore, an unvaccinated traveller in quarantine who is exposed to another traveller who has tested positive for COVID-19 must extend their quarantine by an additional 14 days.

The new Order also includes minor technical amendments to better refine definitions, and align French and English versions of certain provisions.

The new Order will be in effect until September 30, 2022, 23:59:59 EDT.

Penalties

Failure to comply with this Order and other related measures under the Quarantine Act is an offence under the Act. The maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for three years, or both. Non-compliance is also subject to fines under the federal Contraventions Act.

Consultations

The Government of Canada has engaged provinces and territories to coordinate efforts and implementation plans. In addition, given linkages to departmental mandates and other statutory instruments, there has been consultation across multiple government departments and agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency; Indigenous Services Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; Transport Canada; Public Safety Canada; Health Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Employment and Social Development Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Canadian Armed Forces; Canadian Heritage; and Global Affairs Canada.

Contact

Kimby Barton
Public Health Agency of Canada
Telephone: 613‑960‑6637
Email: kimby.barton@phac-aspc.gc.ca