31 travellers issued tickets for refusing COVID-19 tests at Pearson Airport in Mississauga

 

To date, Peel police say they’ve issued a total of 31 fines to travellers refusing to take the mandatory COVID-19 test at Pearson Airport in Mississauga.

18 of those fines were issued during the first week of the new travel restrictions being in effect (February 1 to 7), with the remaining 13 issued afterwards.

The fine for refusing the COVID-19 test is $750.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new travel restrictions in late January, which he says are an extension of existing restrictions that already ban foreign travellers except those who are involved in essential services.

If the mandatory COVID-19 test provides a negative result, travellers will be allowed to go home but will still have to isolate for 14 days. Positive tests will mean a further stay at a government-approved hotel.

Trudeau said the cost of the hotel and the test will be placed on the traveller at a price of $2,000.

Travellers will still need to show a negative test before boarding a flight to Canada.

Police say they’ll continue to issue fines at Pearson Airport as necessary.