Canada makes temporary change for travellers leaving Jamaica

In an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Canada imposed new regulations on all travellers entering the country, effective January 7, 2021. Persons wishing to enter Canada must produce a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their departure, failing which they will be denied “boarding by the air carrier operating the flight to Canada”.

This has, however, placed significant pressure on smaller island states in the Caribbean due to inadequate testing capabilities. The development has left many travellers to Canada stranded on these islands, resulting in forced rescheduling and cancellation of flights.

Coming under intense pressure from travellers and powerful private sector groups, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica has subsequently revealed only one private laboratory on the island has been approved to conduct PCR testing of Covid-19 of the general public.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, which speaks for 33 national hotel associations and more than 1,000 hotel and allied members, has written to the Canadian government urging it to reconsider its stance which has far-reaching implications for the region.

• Health ministry's list of approved labs highlights severe PCR testing capacity shortfall in Jamaica

However, in an update posted on its website Transport Canada stated: “Exceptionally, and in order to deal with the unexpected challenges of a COVID-19 molecular testing supply shortage, from January 10 until January 18, 2021, travellers departing from Jamaica who were not able to obtain a COVID-19 test may be allowed to board their flight, if they consent in advance to take a COVID-19 test at the Toronto Pearson International airport immediately upon their arrival in Canada.

“This temporary exemption for passengers is restricted to flights destined to Toronto Pearson International Airport, and is subject to daily volume limits. Travellers making use of this exemption will also be subject to other measures as deemed suitable by a Public Health Quarantine Officer.

“Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless exempted under the Quarantine Act.”

Click link here to read full text from Transport Canada.