Restrictions along Canadian border have been extended again: outbreak of Delta COVID variants blamed

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Aug 21, 2021 at 7:52 p.m.

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Restrictions along the Canadian border have been extended. It comes as COVID-19 cases increase, and the delta variant is catching on with several states struggling to vaccinate residents.

Calls for the reopening have been loud over the past three months. However, the US Department of Homeland Security tweeted that non-essential travel to Canada and Mexico was restricted until September 21.

Officials said the extension was aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, the Delta variant, which has proven difficult to tame for communities in the Southeast and other parts of the United States. In fact, hospitalizations are increasing in areas of the country where vaccinations are lagging behind – while breakthrough cases dominate the day in areas where vaccination is important.

Canada recently opened its border to Americans on August 9. Many were puzzled by the restriction instituted by the United States, as many congressional and Senate lawmakers called for the border to be reopened.

To minimize the spread of # COVID19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel to our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through September 21, while continuing to ensure the flow of essential trade and travel.

– Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 20, 2021

Those traveling to Canada from the United States should be vaccinated, officials said. However, questions about how long the restrictions can be maintained have arisen as communities around these borders have expressed serious concerns about tourism and economic activity.

For now, however, restrictions along the Canadian border will continue on the American side, despite Americans being able to enter the country if they have been vaccinated.

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