Canada, U.S. keep border closed until July 21, Trudeau says

This was not the first time that the agreement between Canada and the U.S. to temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across its border due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was extended. (Shutterstock file photo)

Canada and the United States decided anew to not reopen the border to people who are trying to pass through for any type of non-essential travel.

Both countries were extending the border shutdown for another 30 days or until July 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during the press briefing on coronavirus response on Tuesday, June 16.

“This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe,” Trudeau said.

Acting Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, meanwhile, said in a statement that they are in close contact with their Canadian and Mexican counterparts regarding the closure extension and that they are looking forward “to continue working with our neighbors to maintain essential trade and travel while protecting the health of our respective citizenry.”

This was not the first time that the agreement between Canada and the U.S. to temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across its border due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was extended.

It can be recalled that the two countries first announced the border closure on March 21, and has since been extended monthly. Prior to the July 21 extension, the current extension on border restrictions was expected to expire on Sunday, June 21.

Canada earlier opened its doors to immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who were separated from their loved ones because of the pandemic. The immediate family member is defined by the Canadian government as the spouse or common-law partner, child, parent, step-parent or their parents-in-law, and guardian or tutor of a certain Canadian national.

The relatives, however, must still follow the implemented safety protocols or they could face serious penalties.

As of publishing, Canada has more than 99,000 coronavirus cases, while the U.S. reported 2.18 million cases.

[READ: Immediate family members of Canadian citizens now allowed to enter Canada]