The Coutts border crossing in southern Alberta (Canada Border Services Agency)

By Justin Goulet

First in Canada

Province launching COVID-19 pilot project for international travellers

Oct 22, 2020 | 11:53 AM

CALGARY, AB – The province is taking part in a pilot program for safe travel amid the pandemic.

The Alberta and federal governments will test an alternative to the current COVID-19 14-day quarantine requirement for international travellers.

Currently, those coming back into Canada are required to isolate for 14 days after entering the country.

The International border pilot project will explore the feasibility of using a rigorous testing and monitoring program to help reduce the mandatory quarantine period.

“This announcement is welcomed by WestJet and I applaud and thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Jason Kenney for taking this important step in providing peace of mind to anxious travellers,” stated Ed Sims, president and CEO of WestJet.

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“We have been asking for a science-based approach based on multiple layers of testing to help safely ease the quarantine requirements. With our home and largest hub in Calgary, guests from the province will be the first to experience this important trial as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine.”

Starting November 2, COVID-19 testing will be offered at two ports of entry into Canada: the Coutts land border crossing and the Calgary International Airport.

Those who participate will receive a COVID-19 test upon entry into Canada before proceeding into their required quarantine.

Once their test comes back negative, they will then be allowed to leave their place of quarantine, as long as they commit to getting a second test on day six or seven after their arrival.

“The reason for that [the six to seven day time-frame] is the same reason I’m under isolation right now, which is that the virus can take some time to develop and become detectable,” explained Kenney, who appeared Thursday via teleconference from home where he is self-isolating after being tested for COVID-19. Kenney has tested negative but will remain isolated until Oct. 29.

The second test will have to be done at a community pharmacy participating in the pilot.

Participants will be monitored via daily symptom checks. They will also have to follow enhanced preventative health measures, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding high-risk groups.

The province noted that non-exempt participants will be required to stay in Alberta for the first 14 days upon their arrival and can be issued tickets if they do not respect the health requirements of the pilot.

Eligible candidates must be returning Canadian citizens, permanent residents or foreign nationals currently allowed to enter Canada and who have no symptoms.

All returning travellers who do not volunteer to take part in the pilot will have to continue to adhere to the 14-day quarantine.

Kenney added that there are plans to expand the program to the Edmonton International Airport.

(Lethbridge News Now)