United States, Canada Are Changing COVID Requirements, Definitions

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted its requirement that travelers test negative for coronavirus before flying to the United States. This move is an important one that is expected to help unclog supply chain bottlenecks and increase U.S. competitiveness, which is why organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers support it.

The CDC will reassess this decision in 90 days and has said it may reinstate the requirement if there were a new COVID variant of concern. The CDC’s order requiring proof of vaccination for non-citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. The CDC also recommends individuals do not travel internationally until they are fully vaccinated because international travel poses additional risks.

Find the CDC’s newest guidance related to international travel here.

In Canada, as of Monday, June 20, travelers over the age of 12 will no longer be required to prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a plane or train in the country. Please be aware: this new rule applies only to domestic travel within Canada, not for entry into the country.

In related news: according to news outlets, the Canadian government plans to change its definition of what it means to be fully protected against COVID-19. Currently, Canadians are considered fully vaccinated if they have two doses of one of Health Canada’s approved vaccines. Health officials have recommended that any official language encouraging Canadians to be vaccinated should not emphasize a specific number of doses, but rather say Canadians should be “up to date” with their COVID-19 vaccines. Read more on this decision here. Read more about COVID and travel to Canada here.