Canada to open border Aug. 9 for vaccinated Americans

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canada will open its border on Aug. 9 to Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal government announced Monday.

As well, international travelers who have received two inoculations can enter Canada beginning Sept. 7.

The government has also waived the requirement to isolate for 14 days before coming to Canada, although travelers will still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the country.

Children under 12 who come with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian will not need to quarantine since 12-year-olds and under are not eligible for a COVID-19 shot, the Toronto Star newspaper reported.

The border has been closed to all but essential travel since March 2020 and as the virus infection rate wanes and more people are vaccinated, cries from businesses hurt from the closure have escalated. It has been closed for every month since and was scheduled to reopen July 21 but with Monday's announcement it will continue to be shut until Aug. 9.

“This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans,” a government press release stated.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the opening reflects the Canadian public's adherence to COVID-19 restrictions and the resulting drop in cases.

“Canadians have worked hard and sacrificed for each other, and because of that work, we can take these next steps safely,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a news release.

Some travelers will be selected for mandatory virus tests when they enter Canada and children under 12 can go to destinations with their accompanying adult(s) but they will have to stay out of group settings and day camps.

There has been no response from the US government on whether it follow the same route and allow fully vaccinated Canadians to enter the US.