Earlier this month, Canada and the United States agreed to extend the restriction on non-essential travel at the land border until at least January 21, 2021. With case counts growing in both jurisdictions, it is expected that this closure will extend well beyond January of next year. As we have mentioned in previous communications, currently, the only way in which Canadian snowbirds can travel to the United States, is by air.
For those choosing to travel, the CDC has recently updated their quarantine guidelines. While the CDC still recommends a 14-day quarantine as the best way to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the quarantine can end after 10 days if the person has not developed any symptoms and after just seven days if the asymptomatic person also tests negative for the virus. Specifically, travellers should:
- Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel.
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
State level requirements and guidelines can be found here, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/index.html. Upon return to Canada, travellers are required to quarantine for a 14-day period, provide contact information, and monitor themselves for symptoms.
The CSA office has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries related to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while in the United States.
Officials from the Florida Department of Health have confirmed that residency will not determine access to the COVID-19 vaccine. This means that non-residents, including Canadian snowbirds, will be able to receive the vaccine in the state when it is more readily available in the coming months. Similarly, the Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ, has also clarified that out-of-country visitors will be able to get the vaccine in the state.
The association is closely monitoring this situation and will provide members with updates as soon as they are available.
