(TAN): The United States will keep its borders with Canada and Mexico shut to nonessential travel until July 21, reports said.
The restrictions that were first introduced for 30 days on March 21 to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the two countries, were later extended in April and May as cases had gone up on both sides of the border, as per reports. The extension of the closure, which was reportedly announced in May, will end on June 21.
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“I can now confirm that Canada and the United States have once again agreed to extend by thirty days until July 21st the current measures in place along our border. This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe,” Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was quoted by WGRZ as saying.
“Based on the success of the existing restrictions and the emergence of additional global COVID-19 hotspots, the Department will continue to limit non-essential travel at our land ports of entry with Canada and Mexico. This extension protects Americans while keeping essential trade and travel flowing as we reopen the American economy,” Acting Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, was quoted by USA Today as saying.
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According to a report, Mexico and the United States decided to continue with the closure “after reviewing the development of the spread of [COVID-19] in both countries”.
The restrictions reportedly apply to all nonessential travel, although citizens returning to their home countries are exempted. The ban also excludes trade, truck drivers and airlines crews, and essential cross-border workers, reports said.
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