US borders with Canada, Mexico to remain closed to nonessential travel

by Joseph Guzman | June 16, 2020 | Jun. 16, 2020

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The measure bans recreational travel and tourism but allows for trade and the travel of essential workers such as nurses.
The restrictions were put in place in March.
The decision comes as all three countries are continuing to see a rise in coronavirus cases.

The United States, Canada and Mexico have agreed to extend restrictions to keep their shared borders closed to nonessential travel for an additional 30 days in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Nonessential travel was first restricted across the borders in March as the coronavirus outbreak began to hit the U.S. The three countries have since extended the border restrictions, which were previously set to be lifted on Sunday in 30-day intervals.

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The measure bans recreational travel and tourism but allows for trade and the travel of essential workers such as nurses. Americans who are returning to the U.S. and Canadians returning to Canada are exempt from the closure, while immediate family members of Canadians are allowed entry into Canada, but must quarantine for 14 days. The restrictions will now be in place until July 21.

“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.,” Acting Department of Homeland Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement. “This extension protects Americans while keeping essential trade and travel flowing as we reopen the American economy.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters Tuesday in Ottawa there’s broad consensus that the border stay closed as the U.S., Mexico and Canada continue to experience a rise in cases and hospitalizations.

“It is clear that there is broad consensus across the provinces that we need to continue to keep current border measures in place,” Trudeau said during a press conference Tuesday. “This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe.”

The U.S. has recorded more than 2.1 million COVID-19 cases with nearly 117,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

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