From midnight tonight, air travellers coming from abroad will have to show proof of negative COVID-19 test results

Transport Minister Marc Garneau says as of midnight tonight, air travellers coming from abroad will have to show proof of negative COVID-19 test results.

He says this new interim order will provide an additional layer of protection for Canadians and travellers.

At the same time, a ban on people flying in from the UK is being lifted.

The ban came in after a new more contagious strain of COVID-19 appeared in Britain.

But Health Minister Patty Hajdu acknowledges some people may have difficulty in getting tested for the illness within the required time frame.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says the measure is necessary nonetheless.

Francois-Philippe Champagne acknowledges the new measure will create inconvenience, but he says it's for the safety of Canadians.

Meanwhile, the government says a ban on air travel from the UK will be lifted as of midnight tonight.