Canada’s plan to drop mandatory PCR coronavirus testing in favor of rapid tests for fully vaccinated travelers entering the country is a welcome relief for Canadians attending The Inspired Home Show in early March.
The Canadian government announced Tuesday that beginning February 28, vaccinated travelers crossing into Canada will be allowed to present results of a less expensive rapid antigen test administered by a lab or health care provider no more than 24 hours before entry. A PCR test no more than 72 hours before entry also will be allowed.
The Inspired Home Show is set for March 5-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Kim Cole, CEO of Gleener, a fabric care product supplier based in Montreal, told HomePage News, “Not needing to take costly PCR tests and waiting 1 to 3 days for results will make a huge difference for the Gleener team traveling to The Inspired Home Show. Now, all we’ll need to return to Canada are rapid antigen tests, which are readily available with much lower cost and results in minutes… The timing of the easing of restrictions is perfect as it takes effect February 28 and we are very much looking forward to the show.”
Derek Miller, International Housewares Association President, said, “We are very pleased that the Canadian government will lessen the COVID testing requirements needed for vaccinated Canadian citizens to return home after visiting the United States – the timing of February 28 works perfectly for buyers and exhibitors planning to attend The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in early March. Free antigen tests will be available and administered on-site at McCormick Place to make the testing process as easy as possible.”
Unvaccinated Canadian travelers still will be required to take a PCR COVID-19 test and isolate for 14 days upon re-entry to Canada. Some returning fully vaccinated Canadians, after February 28, will be selected randomly for PCR tests without a required quarantine.
