January 17, 2022 | Circular No. 11382
Dear Member,
You will find below a number of recent updates from the federal government related to Covid-19 testing, isolation and vaccination requirements for the transportation sector:
- The required isolation period following a positive Covid-19 test result has been reduced from 14 to 10 days effective January 15, 2022. Consequently, Ship Safety Bulletin 02/2022 (on the mobility of seafarers) has been updated to provide that unvaccinated foreign seafarers departing Canada by air will be permitted to board their flight, provided they have either a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of their scheduled departure (no change), or a positive test dated at least 10 days before their scheduled departure (changed from 14 days).
- Transport Canada has clarified that the revised shore leave measures introduced on December 24, 2021 (which include a prohibition on shore leave for unvaccinated seafarers unless they are disembarking in order to obtain a vaccination) will remain in effect for the time being, and will be reassessed during the week of January 31, 2022.
- The federal government’s vaccination mandate for cross-border truck drivers came into effect on January 15, 2022. Consequently, any non-Canadian truck driver who is not fully vaccinated will be turned around at the border, while any returning Canadian truck driver who is not fully vaccinated will be permitted entry, but will be required to quarantine and provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. Canadian drivers will be permitted to deliver the load they are bringing into Canada before having to go into quarantine, subject to strict public health measures being followed.
- Meanwhile, the US government’s vaccination mandate for cross-border truck drivers is scheduled to come into effect on January 22, 2022.
Members requiring additional information on the above should contact the undersigned.
Best regards,
Karen Kancens
Vice President