Sarnia's mayor says removing COVID testing requirements at the Canada-U.S. border, for travellers fully vaccinated against the virus, is the right thing to do.
On Thursday, the federal government announced that incoming travellers with at least two doses of vaccine will not have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test starting April 1.
Mike Bradley said border city mayors have been asking the federal government to drop the testing for months now.
"We viewed it as unnecessary as an expense and also unnecessary to protect the public health. I'm pleased they've moved in that direction. I do wish they had actually dropped it immediately, because there is no reason to charge people and make them go through the testing process until the end of this month."
Bradley said the move helps the country get back on track with cross border traffic and tourism.
"Because people are planning their summers now and they need to know that this testing would not be in place."
Bradley said the double vaccination is still key to people crossing the border, which is the same position as the Canadian and American governments. He believes the countries are still a ways away from dropping testing requirements for those unvaccinated against COVID.
"We are seeing a rise of COVID cases in Ontario. There is concern about the dropping of the masking rule as a mandatory action, that they will have an impact on the schools and in the community. So, I think we still need to be very cautious as we move forward."
The provincial government ended its proof of vaccination system earlier this month and mandatory masking in most indoor settings comes an end March 21.
