Are you excited about Canada's new exemption for fully vaccinated travellers?
Canadians have shared their perspective on the sweeping new amendments, with many people expressing relief that they may finally reenter the country without a lengthy quarantine (or a costly three-night hotel stay).
But numerous people have also expressed frustration with the federal government — and it isn't only Canadians that have taken issue with the revised rules.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) tweeted Tuesday (June 22) that allowing fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to reenter the country "is a step forward." However, the association notes that there still isn't a plan to reopen for international travellers.
"What scientific evidence is there to differentiate fully vaccinated Canadians from non-Canadians?" reads the tweet.
Alleviation announced by gov't of #Canada for fully vaccinated travelers is a step forward. However, still no plan to reopen for int'l travelers. What scientific evidence is there to differentiate fully vaccinated Canadians from non-Canadians? @JustinTrudeau @OmarAlghabra
— IATA (@IATA) June 21, 2021
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In a second message, IATA notes that the revised rules mean children under 12 must quarantine while their fully vaccinated parents are exempt. "This discriminates against families [and] defies science."
To improve air travel efficiency, the association has created the IATA Travel Pass: a mobile app that helps travellers to store and manage their verified certifications for COVID-19 tests or vaccines.
Families and the new travel rules
Many people have taken issue with the revised rules, particularly as it relates to families. Currently, no COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for children under the age of 12 in Canada.
Health Canada spokesperson Mark Johnson told Vancouver Is Awesome that "children will still require, while applicable, pre-arrival testing, testing on day [one] and day [eight], and to remain in quarantine for 14 days."
The fully vaccinated parents of children are not subject to quarantine, however. During that period, Johnson added that the parents are permitted to leave their homes, "provided they meet the [necessary] requirements when entering Canada."
Travellers will need to plan accordingly and meet — and must as well comply with any measures provinces and territories may have in place.
Find out everything you need to know about Canada's revised travel orders.
