Slow PCR test required for entry into Canada 'a dinosaur,' says rapid testing expert
While Canadians can fly to the U.S. with a negative rapid antigen test, they need to take a PCR test within 72 hours of when they return home at both land and air borders.
The molecular tests take one to three days to come back from a lab, and can cost $150-$250 dollars in both Canada and the U.S.
“I think its ridiculous, I think we need to be harmonized with the United States,” said Graham Williamson, the CEO of testing company CVM Medical, which has a same-day rapid antigen testing site at the Vancouver International Airport for people flying to the U.S.
CVM Medical clients are told to arrive at least three hours before their flight, and after their negative nasal swab, they’ll get a certificate clearing them to fly to the U.S. within 45 mins. It costs $129, which is significantly less than a PCR test.
“The PCR test to cross back into Canada is almost a dinosaur in the COVID testing world,” said Williamson.
He says the 72-hour window where travellers can take the PCR test before presenting it at a land border or airport makes the result irrelevant.
“We want to know, the folks that are travelling right now, whether or not they have COVID at that moment. Not what happened three days ago, not what happened two days ago,” said Williamson. “We need to be doing real-time testing, and the only way to do real-time testing is with a rapid test.”
He’d like to see Canada accept rapid antigen tests for travellers returning to the country by air, and believes it would revive cross border shopping at land crossings too.
“Head to Walmart, head to Costco, grab your gas, grab you milk, take your antigen test and be on your way, it's really that simple. That’s what rapid testing is designed for,” said Williamson.
Surrey business traveller Lars Paegel, who took his 17th pre-trip COVID test at CVM Medical on Monday afternoon before a flight to North Carolina, is fed up with the Canadian testing rules.
“Obviously going down to the US is a lot easier with just the antigen test. This is quick, it’s easy. Coming back to Canada, the PCR test has gotten busier and busier. Long line ups and you have to plan well in advance,” said Paegel.
He says the Canadian PCR requirement has impacted his travel several times.
“I have had some trouble on a couple of trips where I actually had to stay in the U.S. because my travel had taken too long, so the test expired before I got back,” Paegel said.
Like Williamson, the frequent traveller would like to see Canada accept rapid attention testing for re-entry, adding “I think the faster you can get tested the better. So the antigen test to me, just makes sense.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.