A Kelowna International Airport employee stands outside of the airport.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Today, Transport Canada is required proof of vaccination for those 12 and over for those travelling on domestic and international flights from Canadian airports.

There will be a transition period until Nov. 30, allowing for passengers to provide a COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of their flight, if they are not fully vaccinated, according to a press release from the City of Kelowna.

READ MORE: COVID-19 exposure list adds 6 Kelowna flights in last two weeks

As of Saturday, Oct. 30, all passengers will be required to provide proof of one of the following to the airline they are travelling with:

• Full vaccination status
• COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of the flight
• COVID-19 molecular tests will only be accepted until Nov. 29.
• Medical or religious exemption and a test taken within 72 hours of the flight

If passengers have any questions about providing proof of vaccination, they are asked to reach out directly to their airline. For the most up-to-date information on vaccination requirements, visit the federal government’s website. 

For passengers requiring a COVID-19 molecular test, Kelowna's airport has partnered with Whitecap Medical to provide on-site COVID-19 PCR testing. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so for a fee and by appointment through online or by calling 604-966-3777.

The Kelowna airport is also introducing a workplace vaccination policy, in accordance with Transport Canada mandate. The YLW policy will require employees working in the terminal building to be fully vaccinated as of Nov. 15.

This policy also applies to any non-passengers entering the restricted area, the area of the terminal beyond security screening, and tenants whose companies perform functions tied to aviation, according to the press release.

“Vaccinations are essential to reduce the risk of serious illness and limit the spread of COVID-19. These vaccination requirements are a necessary step to ensure the health and safety of everyone travelling through and working at YLW,” said airport director Sam Samaddar, in the press release.

These vaccination requirements of both passengers and staff do not replace the health and safety measures already in place at YLW. 

For more information about health and safety measures in place at YLW, visit the airport's website.

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