UPDATE: U.S. expected to reopen border November 8, mixed doses eligible

A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter flies high above the US and Canadian flags. (Photo by CCGS)
A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter flies high above the US and Canadian flags. (Photo by CCGS)
By October 15, 2021 7:25pm

There is word the U.S. will allow fully vaccinated Canadians with mixed doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter when the land border reopens to travellers next month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said early Friday evening that individuals who received doses of two or more different COVID-19 vaccines, including the Astra Zeneca vaccine, will be considered eligible to enter the United States starting in November.

“While CDC has not recommended mixing types of vaccine in a primary series, we recognize that this is increasingly common in other countries so should be accepted for the interpretation of vaccine records,” a statement from the agency read.

Earlier on Friday, a White House official told the Canadian Press on condition of anonymity, since the policy has not yet been made public, that the official reopening date for land borders will be November 8.

However, New York State Congressman Brian Higgins tweeted the date too.

The Canada Border Services Agency also reminded Canadians what they would need to re-enter the country once land and water border points do open.

Travellers re-entering Canada will have to complete a PCR test within 72 hours of arriving at the border. They will also have to provide proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using the ArriveCan app.

“Antigen tests, often called ‘rapid tests,’ are not accepted,” said the CBSA statement.

For trips of less than 72 hours, Canadians and those registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons can take their PCR test before they leave the country.

“Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must continue to follow pre-arrival, arrival, and Day-8 molecular COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine for 14 days,” continued the statement.

Canada reopened its border to American travellers on August 9.