The ban on passenger flights from India has been extended by Canada for another month. Initially, the ban was scheduled to expire on July 21, but it will still be effective till August 21. This is the fourth time the ban has been extended after it was imposed on April 22. The ban was extended by another 30 days on 21 June and as things stand, another extension will be in place for 30 days.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra disclosed to reporters during a news conference that the reason for the ban’s extension was due to the Delta variant, which has been considered as the dominant strain ofCOVID-19 worldwide.
He said: “While progress is being made, the situation in India is still very serious.
“The decision is based on the advice received from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and will best protect Canadians from an increased introduction of the Delta variant, which is prevalent in India.”
Also, Canada has extended the requirements for third-country pre-departure COVID-19 tests for travellers to Canada from India through an indirect route.
A release said: “During that period, passengers who travel to Canada from India via an indirect route will need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.
“Travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to departure, instead of a negative COVID-19 molecular test. This proof must be obtained in a third country before the continuation of the journey to Canada. You might need to seek entry and stay in a third country for at least 14 days.”
The Canadian government recently announced that fully vaccinated citizens of United States and permanent residents who want to travel to Canada for non-essential reasons can do from August 9.
