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Public Health Update: COVID-19

Requirements for entry to the US


Transport Canada has issued new regulations requiring Face Covering/Masks to be worn by Air Travellers commencing Monday, April 20th, 2020.

Additional information regarding face coverings, including how to make your own - Click Here

Updated: October 1, 2022

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required

As of October 1st, wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required. It is still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel.

For more information on Federal regulations governing travel, testing and borders please click here.


Updated: March 14, 2022

Masks still required for travel

The Government of Canada requires all travellers wear a mask large enough to cover their mouth, nose and chin during their travel through Canadian airports and in-flight. For more information on current orders for air travel, including mandatory vaccination see the Government of Canada website.


Updated: March 11, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers to practice enhanced health precautions when travelling internationally.

  • Omicron Variant of Concern. COVID-19 continues to circulate in Canada and internationally. The COVID-19 situation at your destination can change rapidly and can vary considerably from one destination to another, and even between regions within a country. The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change over time and new variants will appear. Remain vigilant and take measures to protect yourself and limit the spread to others. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel. Discuss which travel vaccinations may be right for you. For details, see the Canadian Government's Health notices.
  • For the latest information on travel to Canada, including updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Canadian Government's travel and tourism site.
  • For essential travel, take extra precautions, physically distance when possible, mask carefully, limit the time that your mask is off, and wash or sterilize your hands frequently.


Updated: October 29th, 2021

Proof of Full Vaccination Status Required for Commercial Air Passengers as of October 30th, 2021

Passengers are advised to adhere to new Transport Canada mandates requiring proof of full vaccination status prior to boarding commercial flights from specified Canadian airports (including YQQ).

For further information, including exemptions to this mandate and information on the transition period from October 30th to November 29th, 2021 Transport Canada has produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to assist travelers, staff and workers with compliance.

For additional information regarding Aviation measures in response to COVID-19 please visit the Transport Canada Website.

As always, passengers are advised to check with their airline for specific information regarding the requirements for travel, including the measures in effect as of October 30th, 2021, and prior measures such as the requirement for facemasks, and all rules related to terms of carriage. Click Here for links to carriers serving the Comox Valley Airport.


Updated: October 28th, 2021

Passengers are advised to stay up to date on the most current information regarding air travel.

The Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) has some useful links to assist in navigating the current requirements for air travel
  • Proof of Vaccination: As of October 30th, to depart from Canadian airports travellers will need to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, for details on this initiative follow the links for current information. Check the Transport Canada site for current updates
  • Canadian Travel Advisories: Aviation is a federally regulated industry. CVAC recommends checking the Government of Canada's official source of destination-specific travel information page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date. Click Here for details
  • International Travel: All international travelers should use ArriveCan, prior to entry (or re-entry) into Canada. The free mobile app is available for iOS(Apple), Android and online Click Here
  • Airline requirements: Your carrier also provides current information regarding carrier specific travel and pandemic protocols. Links to the airlines serving Comox Valley Airport may be found here: See Travel Ready or Travel Advisories for current updates.
  • Testing Options: For travelers looking for testing options the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) lists collection centers, and Private testing/Testing for Travel options: Click Here for details
  • Provincial Regulations: For more information on the provincial regulations regarding vaccine requirements, please visit the Government of BC website.
  • The Comox Valley Airport will continue to monitor travel advisories and passenger requirements, while maintaining pandemic protocols as outlined in our YQQ Ready plan to ensure passenger, tenant and staff safety.


Updated: April 27, 2021

New BC Ministerial Order Restricting Non-Essential Travel

Current Travel Restrictions under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) order issued April 21st, 2021

Provincial Governments across the country have initiated new regulations to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern. In BC, travel restrictions for non-essential travel are in place until May 25th, 2021. Fines can be given to people who enter from outside of the region, or leave their region for non-essential travel. Stay local and stay in your community. Do not travel for non-essential reasons.

For more information, please visit the Government of BC website

This link will provide information regarding what is considered essential travel, restrictions on travel between regions in the province, and other travel related considerations.

The Comox Valley Airport has remains open and operational under pandemic procedures, including YQQ Ready, to facilitate essential travel. We look forward to welcoming back our leisure and non-essential travelers, as soon as Public Health Orders permit.

Need help?

Talk to a Service BC agent about non-health related information including self-quarantine and travel restrictions by calling: 1-888-COVID19, (1-888-268-4319) 7:30am to 8 pm

International Travel to Canada (via Canadian Hubs) For information regarding international travel, and requirements for testing and quarantine upon entry to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada Travel site.


Updated: March 22, 2021

Awaiting the return of non-essential travel, Comox Valley Airport remains YQQ Ready.

The health and safety of travellers, staff and aviation partners continue to be at the forefront of airport operations. As we enter the second year of the global pandemic, airport staff remain vigilant in maintaining all public health directives, and industry best practices in preparation for the return of non-essential travel. YQQ Ready provides information on airport pandemic procedures along, with links to our Airlines and local health agencies.

See the following links for the up to date information:

  • For boarding domestic flights
  • Information on provincial or territorial restrictions For information regarding International travel, or re-entering Canada, the Federal Government publishes the most current updates: It is recommended that you review the policies of any destination you are travelling to prior to booking. COVID 19 testing and vaccine requirements may vary, it is important to understand the current requirements at your destination. For information regarding pre-testing and quarantine requirements, visit the website of any of the four Canadian airports currently providing international civilian air service; Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, Calgary and Vancouver International Airports, prior to booking international travel.


    Updated: July 29, 2020

    Passengers are reminded to stay informed post flight

    CVAC would like to remind all passengers to monitor for symptoms, or potential exposure to COVID 19, following any international or domestic flights. Airlines will not be contacting passengers that may have had exposure:

    Effective March 27th, passengers seated near a case of COVID-19 who was recognized after arrival will no longer be directly notified of their potential exposure. Instead, that information is posted online (see below). Where information on affected rows is available, passengers seated in these rows should be considered to be at higher risk of exposure due to their proximity to the case.

    Please continue to check via this link for fourteen days following any flight.

    For individuals who need assistance or cannot read the list of public exposures below, please call: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).


    Updated: June 11, 2020

    The Comox Valley Airport is adapting to the rapid changes brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic and will remain open for necessary passenger travel, medical transport flights, or to facilitate cargo or humanitarian efforts.

    Transport Canada's Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights in Canada due to COVID-19 is in effect. Further information is available online here. Passenger should be prepared for increased screening measures prior to boarding any flights.

    The public is kindly asked to observe social distancing measures within the terminal, and to observe all public health directives regarding the mandatory 14-day isolation period upon return from any destination.

    Passengers, or those helping someone who requires mobility assistance, should be the only ones to enter the terminal during pick up and drop off.

    Individuals who greet, pick up, and/or drive returning passengers must observe the same isolation protocols as the returning passenger.

    Airport operations will continue to follow the CVAC Pandemic Operating Plan as well as directives from Transport Canada and public health agencies including, but not exclusively:

    • Increasing cleaning cycles of touch points & eating areas
    • Social distancing measures including line marks, plexiglass and other barriers at service counters.
    • Rotating bathroom closures to facilitate enhanced cleaning cycles
    • Increased signage for education and information regarding prevention, quarantine and social isolation protocols.
    • Hand sanitizer units and handwashing stations monitored for stocking
    • Closure of café and gift store. (update - cafe and store are open, with limited hours) Vending machines are available for hot and cold drinks, and snacks. All touch points receive frequent wipe downs.
    • Telecommuting and reduction of staff hours to better isolate workers.
    • CVAC volunteer support suspended until further notice
    WestJet continues to provide service between Comox and Calgary, and Pacific Coastal Airlines has resumed service to Vancouver. Please check with the airlines to confirm schedules. Please Click Here for links to our carriers.

    Budget, National, and Enterprise Rental Car services are operating with reduced hours. Please contact them directly to confirm hours of operation contact information is available here.

    For information regarding air travel, including bookings, cancellations, and current policies in effect, contact your airline. Click here for links to all of the carriers serving the Comox Valley Airport.

    For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada - PHAC's website

    PHAC has established a toll-free COVID-19 information line at: 1-833-784-4397.

    Important note: if you have any concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider or dial 811 if you're in British Columbia.

    Public Health Agency of Canada Updates


    Nous comprenons qu'il y ait des soucis auprès de nos passagers et le public en général en ce qui concerne le COVID-19. Le gouvernement du Canada continue de considérer le risque comme étant peu élevé pour les canadiens.

    Malgré le risque peu élevé, CVAC reconnait le potentiel d'infection et de transmission du virus pour nos passagers en connexion depuis les régions a haut risques, ou les bateaux de croisière. En se basant sur notre propre plan de réponse à une pandémique, et avec les recommandations de l'Agence de Sante Publique du Canada, nous avons adopté les mesures suivantes:

    • Une augmentation des panneaux d'affichage afin d'éduquer et d'informer sur la prévention et quoi faire si des symptômes apparaissent
    • Une augmentation de la fréquence des cycles de nettoyage des endroits a passage élevé et dans les salles à manger
    • Un arrêt complet des services de bénévoles a CVAC
    • Une fermeture rotationnelle des salles de bains afin de faciliter le cycle de nettoyage
    • Confirmation que les stations de lavages des mains et les distributrices de savons et liquide aseptiques sont rempli régulièrement
    • Une emphase continue du besoins de se laver les mains vigoureusement, de se distancer socialement et de démontrer une bonne étiquette d'éternuement et de toux
    • Nous avons avise tout membre de notre équipe qui montre des signes de fièvre ou de la grippe de demeurer à la maison
    Pour toute information relie au transport aérien, incluant les réservations, cancellations et les politiques courantes actives, veuillez consulter votre ligne aérienne. Appuyez sur ce lien pour avoir accès à toutes les lignes aériennes servant l'Aéroport de la Vallée de Comox

    Pour l'information la plus précise et à jour sur le COVID-19, veuillez suivre le lien suivant. Mise à jour sur l'éclosion de l'Agence de Sante Publique de Canada

    L'Agence de la Sante Publique du Canada a aussi un numéro sans frais pour le COVID-19: 1-800-784-4397

    Note Importante: Si vous avez des soucis à propos de votre santé, veuillez contacter votre médecin ou composez le 811 si vous êtes en Colombie-Britannique.

    Mise à jour sur l'éclosion de l'Agence de Sante Publique de Canada