US extends covid-19 restrictions for travel to Mexico and Canada

Vaccinated Americans May Travel to Europe 0:24

(CNN) - The

United States extended covid-19 restrictions on non-essential land travel and ferry crossings to Canada and Mexico until July 21, according to a tweet from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Sunday.

"To reduce the spread of # COVID19, the United States will extend restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21, while ensuring access for essential trade and travel." wrote the DHS.

"DHS also sees positive developments in recent weeks and is engaging with other US agencies in the White House expert working groups with Canada and Mexico to identify conditions under which restrictions can be safely and sustainably relieved." .

In March 2020, the US and Canada mutually agreed to close the border to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Canada continues with strict restrictions

On Friday, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair announced that the country had extended its COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential United States and international travel until July 21.

Speaking to the media after the announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that the extension of travel restrictions can be "frustrating" for many people, but that their goal is to keep Canadians safe.

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“We have not yet come out of this pandemic.

We have to reach our goals of 75% vaccinated with the first dose, at least 20% vaccinated with the second dose, before we can begin to relax things because even a fully vaccinated individual can transmit COVID-19 to someone who does not be vaccinated, ”Trudeau said.

Blair said the government will soon announce how it plans to handle travel among those who are fully vaccinated.

Canada is largely off-limits to American travelers.

Tourism, leisure and informal visits are prohibited.

There are some exceptions for family members, foreign workers, and international students.

Mexico: increase in covid-19 infections in 6 states 4:52

Strict testing and quarantine measures have been put in place for travelers arriving by air and land.

Those arriving by air must be quarantined for three nights at a government licensed hotel, in addition to the rest of the testing and quarantine requirements.

Mexico allows the arrival of US travelers by air.

It is not necessary to run a negative PCR test for covid-19 and no quarantine is required.

Most resorts, however, ask guests to complete health questionnaires.

On June 7, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered Mexico's advisory rating from "very high" risk level 4 to "high" risk level 3. CDC advises travelers who are fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.