Canada fines two travelers nearly $20K over false Covid information

(CNN) – Canada has fined nearly $ 20,000 each of two travelers arriving in Toronto from the United States for failing to comply with entry requirements, according to the country’s health department.

The travelers misrepresented proof of vaccinations and pre-departure testing and failed to adhere to requirements for testing on arrival and staying in government-approved accommodation, the agency said in a press release.

The four fines totaled $ 19,720 for each traveler. The travelers arrived in Toronto in the week of July 18, the agency said.

“All travelers arriving in Canada are required by Canadian law to answer all questions truthfully,” the press release said.

“Providing false information and / or documents to a Government of Canada official upon entry into Canada or providing false information or submitting fraudulent documents such as reads.

Penalties for submitting incorrect vaccination status information can be as high as $ 750,000 or six months in prison, or both, the Public Health Agency said.

The government introduced some exemptions for fully vaccinated travelers on July 5th to enter Canada with eased quarantine and testing requirements, and on May 9th.

Regardless of vaccination status, all travelers will still need a Covid-19 molecular test prior to entry, but after August 9, most vaccinated travelers will not need to take a post-arrival test.

A mandatory three-night hotel stay for all air travelers will be abolished on August 9, and fully vaccinated travelers will be exempt from quarantine.

On September 7, Canada plans to open to all fully vaccinated travelers who have been vaccinated with a Canada-accepted vaccine and who meet all of the country’s entry requirements.

Above: Toronto Pearson International Airport on April 1, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. Photo by Cole Burston / Getty Images