(TAN): The United States and Mexico have agreed to close the border to nonessential travel to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
United States Secretary of State announced the move at the White House briefing.
“United States and Mexico have agreed to restrict nonessential travel across our shared border. Both our countries know the importance of working together to limit the spread of the virus,” Pompeo said.
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According to reports, Acting United States Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the order will take effect today.
Pompeo also said the United States administration has taken “two important steps” this week to contain the spread of the pandemic – the border closures with Canada in the north, and Mexico in the south.
The announcement to close the border with Mexico came two days after United States President Donald Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to close the United States-Canada border to nonessential traffic, as per reports. The United States-Canada border closure went into effect at 11.59 am on March 20 in the United States, and would be reviewed after 30 days.
As per reports, the restrictions along the Mexican border will be similar to that of the United States-Canada – the ban will not apply to trade or workers associated with essential work “to ensure the commerce that supports our economy continues to keep flowing”.
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It would apply only to those who cross the border for activities related to recreation, reports said.
“We want to make sure cargo continues, trade continues, healthcare workers continue to be able to traverse that border. But tourism, some recreational activities need to stop during this crisis,” Wolf was quoted by abc7 as saying.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard reportedly said commercial traffic and people travelling for work and other essential activities would not be stopped.
“Everyone else is not expected to have any difficulties. We’re not talking about closing it,” Ebrard was quoted by WGN9 as saying.
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