The Canadian government is reportedly ready to drop the requirement that anyone entering the country be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Like the United States, Canada requires foreigners to be vaccinated – but the rule in Canada will likely go by the wayside by Sept. 30, the Associated Press reported.

Right now, unvaccinated travelers allowed into Canada must quarantine for 14 days upon entering Canada.

An unnamed government official, not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, told the AP about the plan.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau still must give final approval, the official said. But the government will drop the requirement and end random COVID-19 testing at airports.

Andrew Morris, MD, an infectious disease specialist at the University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, said the rule should’ve been dropped long ago.

“Zero benefit to ensure people vaccinated. It doesn’t keep cases nor variants out,” he said.

Some 40,000 daily commuters from Detroit won’t have to prove their vaccination status when the requirement is dropped, the Detroit News reported.

Thousands of commercial truck drivers protested Canada’s rule, and in February a convoy blocked the Ambassador Bridge for a week, shutting down traffic and affecting businesses.

If the Toronto Blue Jays reach the Major League Baseball playoffs, unvaccinated professional athletes would be allowed into the country to play. They currently are not allowed to come into the country.

Sources

AP: “Official: Canada likely to drop vaccine requirement to enter”

Detroit News:“Canada to lift COVID vaccine requirement for travelers at border”

CTV News: Canada to drop COVID-19 vaccine border policy, ArriveCan to be optional: sources

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