COVID-19 case surge keeps Canada-US borders restricted

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Canada is experiencing a second wave of coronavirus positive cases with almost 2,000 cases in a day while the US has recorded 7,260,465 COVID-19 cases.
• The restrictions at the Canada-US borders will therefore be in place until there is a significant decrease in cases.  
• Non-essential travel between the US and Canada will be restricted until the number of coronavirus cases lowers down substantially.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair remarked that the restrictions at the Canada-US borders, as well as the ban on non-essential travel between the two countries, are still imposed and would remain so for months even with its scheduled lifting on October 21.

The reason for the continued restrictions lies in the second wave of cases in Canada at almost 2,000 new coronavirus positive cases daily. The US, meanwhile, has already reached 7,260,465 cases.

Blair said the restrictions will remain in place “until the conditions on both sides of the border … change very substantively, until we can be assured based on the advice we receive from our public health officials.”

Trade between the two nations will not be affected by the ban.

When it was first imposed in March, there were a lot of protests from citizens and residents who got separated from their families. But an official announcement from the Canadian government will soon put them at peace as the government plans on easing out on restrictions to allow for family reunions.

Extended family members of Canadian permanent residents, those who are in an exclusive dating relationship for at least a year, and Canadian citizens will be allowed entry by October 8.

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino told reporters, “We recognize that travel restrictions should not keep loved ones apart. In these challenging times, we know those challenges are best met with the strength and support of those we love by our side.”

Schools will also be allowed to accept enrollment and attendance of new international students.

Source: Reuters