Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced Thursday, while in isolation at home after a COVID-19 exposure, that the province is piloting a reduced quarantine period for travellers returning to the province, beginning Nov. 2.
“Returning travellers entering Alberta from outside the country will be offered a chance to participate,” Kenney explained. “They’ll receive a COVID-19 test if they choose to…upon entry into Canada, before proceeding into quarantine.”
“Once their test comes back negative, they’ll be allowed to leave quarantine, provided they get another test between day six and seven”
The premier stressed this secondary test is required as the virus can takes some time to be detectable, and each person who volunteers for this pilot program will have to participate in daily check ins. They also need wear a mask in public spaces and avoid crowded spaces, among the other public health measures in place in Alberta.
This program will be launched at the Coutts Port of Entry, which accounts for about 95 per cent of land border crossings between Alberta and the U.S., as well as the Calgary International Airport. The program is also expected to expand to the Edmonton airport at a later date.
“We really hope that this pilot will help in reducing and one day eliminating the 14-day self-isolation requirement that have so crippled our nation,” Bob Sartor, president and CEO of Calgary Airport Authority said on Thursday.
