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Do you dream of surfing, sand and fun in the sun?
WestJet announced today that it will offer a coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-flight testing program for guests traveling to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Canadian carrier said it has partnered with the State of Hawaii to offer the testing program, which will allow Canadians to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
A negative test result, from laboratory partner WestJet DynaLIFE, is required within 72 hours of departure for Hawaii.
Although several travel clinics in the Lower Mainland offer COVID-19 testing prior to travel, these clinics are not approved by the State of Hawaii for the program.
“Safety remains our number one priority and we thank Governor Ige and the State of Hawaii for providing this opportunity for Canadians to enjoy all the islands have to offer while safely supporting the tourism industry,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Commercial Director.
WestJet teams are working hard to rebuild trust in air travel through major partnerships like this with Hawaii’s Trusted Travel Partner Program and DynaLIFE. With pre-departure and arrival testing now available thanks to the collaborative efforts of the governments of the Canada, the Alberta government and YYC Calgary International Airport, our guests have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey without the rigorous quarantine requirements. ”
The test, which costs $ 150 CAD per person and is hosted by the host, is currently only available in Alberta, the test is open to all Canadian residents.
And while sipping a refreshing cocktail in the tropics might sound tempting, the Canadian government advises you to think twice before booking a ticket to paradise. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments that have opened their borders to tourists could suddenly impose severe travel restrictions, which could make it difficult for you to return home.
BC has also tightened travel restrictions, although flights in and out of the province are still allowed. However, when you return home you will need to quarantine for 14 days.
WestJet Hawaii Test Program
Guests traveling to Hawaii are responsible for ensuring that they receive a test within 72 hours of their flight departing for Hawaii in order to avoid quarantine and will be required to show a negative test result prior to boarding. If the test results are not available before boarding the last leg of the trip, the traveler must quarantine for 14 days or for the length of stay, whichever is shorter.
“Many Canadians like to visit Hawaii during the winter months to escape the cold, so the timing for this works well. Hawai’i has the most rigorous pre-trip testing program in the US and we are grateful to WestJet for making it available. of their passengers, ”said Hawaii Governor David Ige.
Earlier this week, the airline announced its December schedule that includes biweekly non-stop Dreamliner service between Calgary and Honolulu and Calgary and Maui.
Photo: WestJet The airline will begin the testing program in partnership with DynaLIFE in Alberta for guests with a WestJet ticketed itinerary to Hawaii within 72 hours. Details can be found here.
All visitors planning to visit Hawaii must register prior to travel – Hawaii entry requirements can be found here.
Note: Health Canada does not recommend getting a COVID-19 test if you don’t have symptoms of the virus. Since a negative result is required for the Hawaiian pre-test program, this would go against the public health advice.
Under a British Columbia government measure, all passengers arriving from overseas, regardless of their final destination, are required to submit a self-isolation plan. Learn more about the province’s self-isolation plan requirements here. The plan can be submitted online here or via the self-assessment tool, via the BC COVID-19 support app, or in person upon arrival at YVR. You must prove that returning passengers have aids to self-isolate safely for 14 days.
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