Omicron Variant: Canada Lifts Travel Restriction on Nigeria

• Canada has lifted the travel restriction that was placed on Nigeria and some other African countries a few weeks ago

• The Canadian government had imposed the travel restriction to curb the spread of the Omicron variant

• The removal of the travel ban will take effect from December 18 at 11:59 pm

The Canadian government has announced that the travel ban earlier issued on Nigeria and other African countries has been lifted.

The removal of the travel ban was confirmed in a statement that was released by the government through its Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Ducloson on Friday.

The North American country imposed the ban due to fears about the global rising cases of Omicron variant.

The minister disclosed that the removal of the ban will take effect from December 18 at 11:59 pm.

A part of the statement can be seen below:

“With the evolving situation and overwhelming evidence of community transmission of Omicron in most countries around the world, including Canada, the Government of Canada has decided to lift the extraordinary measures for travelers returning from the ten specific countries initially listed. This will be in effect as of December 18 at 11:59 pm.”

Canada believes that while the ban was controversial, it was necessary to slow the arrival of Omicron in the country to give the government more time.

Read also: Nigeria Records 1,584 New Infections as Lagos Drives Increase

The government claims that the measure has already served its purpose given the nature of things, and is no longer required.

Travellers going to Canada will now only need to present a valid negative pre-departure molecular test and will be restricted to a designated quarantine facility upon arrival.

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