Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, starting February 15, anyone who arrives at a land border on non-essential travel will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test.
The government began requiring all people arriving in Canada by air to show a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours in early January.
Trudeau says returning nationals without a negative test cannot be refused entry at a land border, because they are already in our territory.
“What we can do is in cases of no test to show, apply a stiff penalty, a fine, and demand and ensure a rapid and complete follow-up.”
Trudeau says they will ensure returning residents are getting tested, properly quarantined, and not putting others at risk.
Fines can reach as high as $3,000.
Trudeau says he believes the vast majority of people are going to do what is needed and get a test so they can return home for their quarantine period.
He says a new measure will be implemented in the next couple of days requiring all air travellers returning from non-essential trips abroad to self-isolate in a federally approved hotel for three days at their own expense.
With files from Mike Ebbeling
