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Latest COVID News
Canada Easing Border Restrictions on February 28
As of February 28th:
- The Canadian government will adjust its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2. This means that the government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.
- On Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. ET, Transport Canada’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts where international passenger flights can arrive in Canada will expire. This means that international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all remaining Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights
- Fully vaccinated travelers will only take a PCR test on arrival if they are randomly selected, and will not have to isolate waiting for results.
- Children under 12 who are not yet fully vaccinated and are travelling with fully vaccinated adults no longer need to isolate/wait to attend school. Children with unvaccinated travelers will still be required to quarantine for 14 days.
- Pre-entry tests can be either a rapid antigen test or a molecular PCR test.
- To be valid, the antigen test must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory or healthcare entity no more than 24 hours before the scheduled flight or arrival at the land border.
- For those choosing to take a molecular PCR test, the rules do not change (it has to be taken no less than 72 hours prior).
- To prove a previous COVID-19 infection, the government will continue to only accept molecular test results taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada
These are transitionary measures and not permanent measures. The government will continue to monitor the situation and further lift restrictions if the situation continues to improve. Read more.
Mask Mandate Ends in California
Feb. 16 marks the end of the mask mandate in California. However, some scenerios still require masks:
- Anyone who isn’t vaccinated from COVID-19 to wear a mask in indoor public settings.
- Masks are required when riding public transit or at transit hubs, like a bus and bus station, respectively.
- Business owners can still take their own precautions to ensure the well-being of their customers.
Washington, D.C. Relaxes Restrictions
Washington D.C. — one of the most aggressive cities when it comes to mandates — announced that it will end its proof of vaccination requirement for indoor restaurants, gyms, and concert venues starting Feb. 15. The mask mandate drops March 1.
Twin Cities End Vaccine-or-Test Regulations
Minneapolis and Saint Paul jointly ended their vaccine-or-test emergency regulations for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, effective immediately.
