Just when we thought it was okay to leave the country again, Canada's travel advisory is back.

The advisory, urging Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel, wasjust lifted in October, but the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. In the last seven days,cases in Canada have increased by 33 per cent, but so far, hospitalizations have increased by just three per cent.

Amid growing concerns about the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made theannouncement in a press conference on Dec. 15.

The federal government is now advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country, confirms Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos at a news conference on Parliament Hill. The announcement comes amid fears re: the rapid spread of the Omicron#COVID19variant.#cdnpolipic.twitter.com/QPTFSuUU3C

— CPAC (@CPAC_TV)December 15, 2021

There has been a significant resurgence in COVID-19 cases even without the Omicron, he said. Canadians must do everything in their power to protect and support the healthcare system and front-line workers.

"Like all of us, they are tired of the pandemic."

Duclos said Canada is now officially advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada.

"To those who were planning to travel — I say very clearly: now is not the time to travel," he said.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant on a global scale makes it a risky prospect.

"Travelling Canadians could contract the virus or get stranded abroad," he said.

The travel advisory will beposted on the federal government travel website.

COVID testing for arriving travellers will continue and expand to test as many people as possible, he added.

The travel advisory will be reassessed in four weeks.