US-Canada, Mexico border restrictions extended to at least Sept. 21 amid coronavirus pandemic

TORONTO – The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to nonessential travel for at least another month, Canada’s public safety minister said Friday.

The statement by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair came a day after Mexico announced a similar measure for its border with the United States.

The land border restrictions aimed at controlling the coronavirus pandemic were first announced in March and have been renewed monthly.

Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf tweeted: "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."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also shared the news on social media, adding, "We’re taking this step to keep people in both our countries safe – because your health and safety is always our top priority."

According to the Canadian Border Services Agency, anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of that country must prove they are traveling for an essential purpose, are only transiting or are an immediate family member of a citizen or permanent resident. They must also have a plan to quarantine for 14 days unless they are exempted.

Essential cross-border workers such as health care professionals, airline crews and truck drivers are still permitted to cross. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S.

Americans who are returning to America and Canadians who are returning to Canada also are exempt from the border closure.

From July:US-Canada, Mexico border closures extended

Many Canadians fear a reopening. Canada has flattened the epidemic curve, while the U.S. has more confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 than any other country.

Canada sends 75% of its exports to the U.S., and about 18% of American exports go to Canada. The U.S.-Canada border is world’s longest between two nations.

More:States that require travelers to self-quarantine or present negative COVID-19 test