TORONTO (Reuters] – Canadians who cross into the United States to purchase fuel or other supplies for their homes will not have to submit a negative COVID-19 result upon returning to Canada. This is in an effort to assist flood-stricken residents of British Columbia.

The flood situation in Canada’s westmost province is still very serious. However, some progress has been made as the water level drops and roads and highways reopen. This was stated by Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness. However, the weather forecast this week is more dangerous.

Blair explained that this exemption will allow those who are residents of border communities and travel to America for the purchase of essential goods to be allowed to return home without the need to submit to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

British Columbia declared a state emergency due to an event known as the “atmospheric flood” which brought two days worth of rain, paralyzing some parts of the province and causing food-fuel shortages.

Flooding has already claimed the lives of at least four Canadians and is likely to become Canada’s greatest natural disaster.

For non-essential vehicles, the province has set a limit of fuel purchase at 8 gallons (30 litres).

The province’s North Coast region district is expected to see more snow, rain and wind through Monday. These conditions could cause flooding and landslides.

The flooding last week caused roads and rails to be washed away, cutting Vancouver off, Canada’s third largest city.

Omar Alghabra, Canadian Transport Minister, stated that he believes the railway corridor will reopen by midweek based upon feedback received from railroad operators.

About 500 Canadian soldiers will arrive in the province on Sunday night for rescue operations.