By Hanna Park
(WASHINGTON) The U.S. has extended COVID-19 restrictions on nonessential travel with Mexico and Canada until July 21 in an effort to reduce the spread of the pandemic, CNN reported Monday.
The restrictions on nonessential travel between the U.S. and Mexico and Canada were set to expire Monday, after the Department of Homeland Security decided last month to continue the pandemic regulations until June 21.
On Monday, the department announced that it was extending the limitations to help curb the pandemic.
“To reduce the spread of #COVID19, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21, while ensuring access for essential trade & travel,” the department wrote on Twitter.
The department added that there have been “positive developments in recent weeks,” while working with “other U.S. agencies in the White House’s expert working groups with Canada and Mexico to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably.”
On June 7, Mexico’s advisory rating dropped from "very high" risk level 4 to "high" risk level 3, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC advises travelers to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.
The move comes as Canada announced on Friday that it was continuing its travel regulations with the U.S.
The U.S. and Canada mutually agreed to shut down the border to mitigate the spread of the pandemic in March 2020.