Canada extends border crossing restrictions until July 21
TORONTO -- Canada and the US have agreed to extend their agreement to keep their border closed to non-essential travel to July 21 during the coronavirus pandemic.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday’s agreement extends the closure by another 30 days.
"On Thursday night with the premiers (of the provinces), we had another good conversation around the border restrictions, particularly with the United States," Trudeau said. "And it is clear that there is broad consensus across the provinces that we need to continue to keep our current border measures in place. We will keep discussing with with the United States administration on ways forward. But our priority on this is to ensure that we're keeping Canadians safe while continuing to ensure the flow of essential goods and services."
The restrictions were announced on March 18 and were extended in April and May.
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Americans who are returning to the U.S. and Canadians who are returning to Canada are exempted from the border closure. Some restrictions were loosened earlier this month to allow some family members to cross to reunite with other family members, provided they stay at least 15 days and self-quarantine for the first two weeks.
Late last month, family and friends separated by the border could finally get together at Peace Arch Park in Blaine where limited cross-border travel is permitted inside the park.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
