Canada drops controversial COVID test rule for flyers from African nations

iStock [illustration]

Canada will start recognising molecular COVID-19 tests conducted at an accredited lab in South Africa for residents returning home, dropping a heavily criticised travel restriction introduced to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

Ottawa had faced pressure from doctors, stranded passengers and the World Health Organisation to reverse requirements that travelers from 10 southern African countries get molecular PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests in a third country before returning to Canada.

Canada has now dropped the need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 PCR test from a third country, according to a travel advisory issued on Saturday. The exemption will be in place till January 7 next year and apply to all indirect flights departing from South Africa to Canada, the advisory added.

There is no change to Canada's ban on all foreign travelers from 10 African countries.

Canada, the United States, the UK and other countries have enacted Africa-specific travel bans even as Omicron is detected in more than 50 countries around the world.

But few countries have imposed Omicron restrictions similar to Canada's requirement. The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called actions barring southern African countries "disappointing" and "dismaying" in a tweet.

More from International News

News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honours Shabab Al Ahli team

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured members of the Shabab Al Ahli football team for clinching four titles this season at a special ceremony in Zabeel Palace.

  • Khalifa Award for Education honours 18th cycle winners

    His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, was named Distinguished Educational Personality in recognition of his extensive contributions to developing the education system locally, regionally and internationally, at an award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

  • UAE ship carrying desalination plants arrives in Cyprus

    A UAE ship carrying water desalination plants arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Thursday, to provide clean drinking water and support sustainable global water security.