By Emmanuel Nduka
After widespread criticism, Canada has rescinded its travel ban on Nigeria and nine other African countries.
Canada is lifting the ban on international travels in Africa starting December 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement on Friday.
Canada first implemented the ban on November 26 on seven African countries, but later expanded to 10.
The affected countries are South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt.
The ban was originally set to expire on January 31.
Canada will also re-introduce pre-arrival tests for all new incoming travellers, according to CICNews.
Presently, Canadian residents can leave and come back within 72 hours without needing a pre-arrival COVID-19 test.
A negative pre-arrival test will be required for all new arrivals to Canada starting December 21.
The Canadian Government said the bans were originally put in place due to a high rate of travellers testing positive for coronavirus from those countries.
