In excess of 5,000 air travellers to Canada have tested positive for COVID-19 since February

1,411 returning air travellers tested positive for COVID-19 10 days after returning

According to Public Health Agency of Canada 3,748 people who tested negative 3 days before departure to Canada tested positive the day they arrived at one of four Canadian airports, while an additional 1,411 tested positive for COVID-19 after taking the test required 10 days after returning.

Variants of concern or interest accounted for 1,566 (one third) of these positive COVID-19 test results with more than 95 per cent of the variants being B.1.1.7, initially originating in the United Kingdom.

Ontario Premier, Doug Ford took to Twitter to once again express his concerns about international travellers.

“I’m extremely concerned about new COVID variants making their way into Ontario,” tweeted Ford. “Over 90% of new cases in Ontario are new variants. We’re seeing more young people in ICUs. It’s clear stronger border measures are needed,” said Ford.

All international air passengers arriving in Canada are required to spend up to three days in a designated quarantine hotel near one of the authorized airports until receiving a negative test result. Once that test negative they are allowed to return home to finish their two week quarantine there, but must provide a second test result 10 days afterwards.