The federal government of Canada stated on Tuesday that it would suspend COVID-19 vaccine requirements for domestic and international travel, federally controlled transportation sectors, and federal workers beginning on June 20.

According to a news statement published jointly by government agencies, the present vaccination restrictions at the border will continue to be enforced.

"This will reduce the potential impact of international travel on our health care system and serve as added protection against any future variant," according to a news release, adding that other public health measures, such as wearing a mask, continue to apply and will be enforced throughout a traveler's flight or train ride.

This policy change will permit unvaccinated Canadians to board domestic and international flights, trains, and buses. However, they will still be subject to the present testing and quarantine restrictions upon re-entry from international destinations.

The vaccination requirements for foreign nationals entering Canada have not changed, and foreign nationals who are not entirely immunized are still forbidden from entering Canada. With the suspension of the domestic mandate, the new policy allows unvaccinated foreign persons to continue departing Canada by airline or rail.

Case counts have fallen as approximately 90 percent, or 32 million, of eligible Canadians, have been vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the announcement, national hospitalization and mortality rates are also reducing.