While pressure has mounted on U.S. President Joe Biden and his government to re-open land borders with neighbouring countries, that won’t be the case for at least another month. On Monday, the Biden administration announced the U.S.-Canada and Mexico borders will be closed until at least October 21. The border has been closed since March 2020.
While travel restrictions for Canadians remain strict, the U.S. is looking to ease foreign air travel restrictions, which will allow fully vaccinated foreigners to enter the country. Starting in November, any air traveler coming to the U.S. will need to provide proof of negative COVID-19 taken at least 72 hours prior to boarding and certification of their double-vaccination status. The new policy announced on Monday will no longer limit travelers from specific countries like the U.K., China and India.
One of the most vocal critics of the travel restrictions, New York Congressman Brian Higgins, called on the U.S. to re-open the borders fully. “It is welcome news that the White House is making progress on reciprocating international public health measures to protect air travellers,” wrote Higgins in a statement. Higgins who’s congressional district falls in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, two cities that rely on economic tourism lamented the damage the closures are having on businesses within the community. “It is inexplicable that no announcement on easing travel restrictions at land ports of entry is being made today since the livelihoods of communities across the northern border depend on cross-border commerce,” he said.
This is an excerpt from Global News.