Land and ferry border crossings between the United States, Canada and Mexico will remain closed to nonessential travel until at least July 21.
U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) announced the border closure extension Monday. Commercial trucks will continue to move freely across the borders, as the movement of essential goods remains exempt from the restrictions.
“To reduce the spread of #COVID19, the United States is extending restrictions on nonessential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21 while ensuring access for essential trade and travel,” said a tweet from DHS.
The borders between the three countries have been closed for nonessential travel since March 2020 to slow the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions have been extended on a monthly basis ever since.
Some border officials in Texas said DHS needs a plan to ease restrictions instead of extending the closure every month.
“Uncertainty, delays and politics are disrupting the millions of lives and livelihoods relying on cross-border commerce,” Jon Barela, CEO of The Borderplex Alliance, said in a statement. “I’ve reiterated to the White House that we must equip the brave men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the necessary resources, training and personnel to do their jobs safely and effectively. It’s time for Washington and Mexico City to make the border a priority.”
The restrictions have not directly affected cross-border freight volumes between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, which have recovered from their pandemic lows to record levels in recent months.
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