Today, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau confirmed that the current border restrictions will now remain in effect until Feb. 21, 2021.
Travel restrictions have been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic struck at the Canada-U.S. land border, this is being extended for another month.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday, that the current border restrictions will now be extended until Feb. 21, 2021. He said this “important decision” was sustained to keep residents on both sides of the border safe as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Canada and the United States.
“Our focus since the start of this pandemic has been protecting you and your family. Whether by procuring vaccines or by bringing in strict travel and border measures, our priority is your safety,” Trudeau said.
The Canada – U.S land border closure agreement in place for non-essential travel was first imposed in March 2020, to limit the spread of the virus. The restrictions have since been reviewed every month, with the current extension on border restrictions set to expire on Jan. 21.
Under the agreement, tourists and cross-border visits remain prohibited, although trade and commerce are exempted as are trips by certain family members and loved ones who can make a case on compassionate grounds to be allowed into Canada from the U.S. and other countries, dependent on conditions including mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Canada has recorded more than 670,000 COVID-19 cases to date, with more than 17,000 people have died from the deadly virus.