Air Canada starts COVID-19 testing at Toronto airport in push to open travel

Air Canada said on Thursday it has launched a voluntary COVID-19 study of international travelers coming into Toronto's Pearson Airport as part of a campaign to persuade the government to lift travel restrictions such as its 14-day quarantine. Under the study, set to begin on Thursday, participating passengers will provide samples to be analysed for COVID-19 using PCR tests upon arrival and in two follow-ups to establish how many travellers arrive infected. "Our study will provide data to help determine if an airport-based COVID-19 surveillance program is feasible, whether self-collection of COVID-19 testing is effective, and to explore options regarding the 14-day quarantine for international travel," Air Canada said. Canada's borders are now closed to all noncitizens except for essential workers, and Canadians who enter the country from abroad must self-isolate for two weeks.<br/>