The border between the U.S.A. and Canada will close yet again for another month. This decision will become the fifth time the governments have continued the border restrictions since it was implemented last March. The extension will restrict nonessential travel between the two countries until September 21.
“We are extending the reciprocal restrictions at the Canada-US border for another 30 days, till Sept. 21, 2020. We will continue to do what’s necessary to keep our communities safe.”
Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair
However, flights to and from the U.S. and Canada are still unaffected, and traveling using cars are only affected.
Still, several people are exempted from this restriction. Most of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., which means those transporting goods are permitted. Also, essential workers, like healthcare professionals, airline crews, and temporary foreign workers, are still allowed to cross the border.
Furthermore, Americans who are returning to America are also exempted from the border restriction. This exemption is also valid to Canadians who are returning to Canada.
Also, the Canadian government did loosen its restrictions not long ago; the exemption, however, is minimal. The exception gives way for immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter the country as of June 9, 2020. To know more about the qualifications to cross the U.S.–Canada border by checking on Canada’s official government website.
Many people from both countries, especially Canadians, agreed to this notion as the U.S. has 5.2 million. A recent poll by Ipsos-Reid attested to the latter view. The survey shows that 85% of Canadians want the U.S. – Canada border to stay closed until December 2020.
Still, Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), said the extended restriction is straining the economy in his district. His district, which includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls, highly depend on Canadian consumers. “Our retail economy is highly dependent on the Canadian shopper,” he remarked.
He also noted that Canadians spend $10 million a year on healthcare in western New York.”
Moreover, the closure of the U.S. and Mexican border will have its extension to curb the coronavirus spread. The Acting U.S. Homeland Security Department Secretary Chad Wolf confirmed this decision on this Twitter account.
“We continue to work with our Canadian and Mexican partners to slow the spread of #COVID19. Accordingly, we have agreed to extend the limitation of non-essential travel at our shared land ports of entry through September 21.”
Secretary Chad Wolf
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