Photo: The Canadian Press

A slew of travel restrictions and rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be extended into January, the federal government said Sunday, as case counts continued to rise steadily across the country.

In a statement, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the measures would be in effect until Jan. 21, 2021 for travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States.

The rules were first imposed near the start of the global outbreak.

"We have introduced a number of policies to keep Canadians safe but must remain flexible and adapt to the evolving COVID-19 situation," Blair said in a statement.

The ministers said restrictions for visitors crossing the border from the U.S. are currently in place until Dec. 21, but may be extended.

Among the new rules is a requirement for anyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days.

But the ministers also said they're looking to make it possible for "high-performance, amateur sporting organizations" to hold major international events on Canadian soil.

They said the successful applicants would need to present a public health plan as well as show they've secured the support of provincial and territorial governments and health authorities.

The Department of Canadian Heritage will issue authorizations in consultation with the Health Agency of Canada, the ministers said.