U.S. extends closure of border to Canadians

The U.S. government is extending a ban on nonessential travel along the borders with Canada and Mexico despite increasing pressure to lift the restriction.

The move means Canadians still cannot enter the U.S. despite Canada now allowing vaccinated Americans to enter their country.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a tweet Friday that the restrictions on nonessential travel were still needed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the delta variant. It extended the ban until at least Sept. 21.

To minimize the spread of #COVID19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at 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

Reacting to the news at a press conference in Winnipeg, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says "every country gets to make its own decisions" on how they keep their citizens safe. Trudeau said his government is coordinating very closely with the American administration.

"We will work together as much as possible to coordinate, to make sure things are going well," Trudeau said.

U.S. border communities that are dependent on shoppers from Mexico and Canada and their political representatives have urged the Biden administration to lift the ban.

The U.S. does allow Canadians to fly across the border for non-essential purposes.