Canada-U.S. border to remain closed at least another month

The partial closure of the Canada-United States border has been extended to October 21, and may be further extended through Thanksgiving in the U.S.

The two countries announced the closure extension on Friday. Trade goods, essential workers and citizens returning home will continue to be allowed across the border, which has been otherwise closed since March in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe,” Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair wrote on Twitter.

Cases in Canada have started to rise in recent weeks as well, CTV News reported.

“Over the last few months, we’ve learned that we can never let our guard down,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a press conference this week. “The fight against Covid-19 is far from over.”

In Canada, public safety critic Shannon Stubbs called on Blair and Trudeau to allow more exemptions to the closure to allow people on both sides to live more normally.

“We are calling on the Trudeau government to take a compassionate approach to resolve situations where families remain separated, while ensuring the health and safety of Canadians,” she said.

Reuters Canada reported that the closures are expected to be extended again next month until after Thanksgiving holiday in November.