The Canadian government announced on Monday plans to lift all Covid-19 travel restrictions beginning on October 1.

“Thanks largely to Canadians who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, we have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border,” Canada’s minister of health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement.

Over the past two years, Canada established itself as a country with some of the most strict Covid-19 policies in the world.

Starting on Saturday, there will no longer be entry restrictions such as submitting proof of vaccination, mask mandates or isolation requirements for travelers entering the country. Although the mask mandate for travel will be longer be in place, the Canadian government continues to recommend masks for transportation.

“We’ll continue to follow the latest available science and do whatever is necessary to protect your health,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Stay protected by keeping your vaccinations up to date.”

Previously, fully vaccinated travelers were able to enter the country, but those who were unvaccinated were mandated to self-quarantine for 14 days following their arrival in Canada.

The decision to remove the restrictions was in response to a high vaccination rate and decreasing deaths and ICU levels. Eighty-five percent of Canadian citizens have received vaccination against the virus.

Canadian cruises will also be affected, allowing travelers more freedom. There will still be some restrictions kept in place, however, but they will align with U.S. cruise guidelines.

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Article by Rose Carter