Detroit Red Wings offering cheaper PCR tests to lure Canadian hockey fans across the border
With the pricey PCR COVD-19 testing requirement deterring many Canadian travellers from taking advantage of the open U.S. land borders, some organizations and travellers are finding cheaper solutions.
To encourage the return of Canadian fans, the Detroit Red Wings are offering on-site PCR testing at a reduced cost of US$85. For season ticket holders, the test will be free for the first 100 who register.
“The goal is to make this more convenient for our Canadian fans,” says Spencer Ambrosius, Red Wings vice-president of ticket sales.
Canadian ticket holders can take the PCR test on the Little Caesars Arena concourse prior to puck drop.
“You will be emailed the results before the game is over, so that on your return trip it’s easy to pop it up on your phone,” says Ambrosius.
Pre-COVID, Ambrosius estimates an average of 1,000 Canadian fans attended each Wings home game.
With a negative test result valid for 72 hours, fans can return for multiple games within a three-day period using the same test.
Meanwhile, some travellers have utilized the free COVID-19 tests offered at certain large U.S. pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.
“They seem to be putting in the zip code of either the accommodation of where they are staying or their hotel and it works,” says Martin Firestone, travel insurance broker.
Unlike same-day PCR tests at private clinics that can cost up to $300, results from free testing options can take up to two days.
“Whether it’s the intent of the store to give the tests to give Canadians heading back home or it’s meant for U.S. citizens is still very unclear at this point,” says Firestone.
The COVID-19 border measures are governed by an order-in-council that is set to expire on Sunday, Nov. 21. Canadian officials will need to decide whether to renew, change or do away with them altogether.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.