Canada is extending the COVID-19 restrictions for travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau that were set to expire on Feb. 5, citing the need to protect the health-care system and concerns about the lack of scientific data from Beijing despite a “dramatic increase” of cases in the country.
Last December, the government announced temporary pre-boarding test requirements and arrival screening for travellers coming from these regions. The measures took effect on Jan. 5 and were set to expire on Feb. 5. “On February 4, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EST, Canada intends on extending these current health measures for travellers arriving on flights from these regions, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. The requirements are expected to remain in effect until April 5, 2023, 12:01 a.m. EDT,” the government said in a statement on Feb. 2.
Ottawa said the decision to extend the existing COVID-19 measures was based on several factors, including the continued reports of a “dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in China” since the regime lifted its restrictions on border travel starting Jan. 8. Another reason for the extension is concerns about the limited epidemiological data made available by Chinese authorities, including those related to genomic sequencing and potential variants of concern.