Canada’s travel restrictions will last until July 31

The Canadian government has decided to extend its coronavirus travel restrictions for one more month, at least. The border will remain closed for the entirety of July so as to reduce the spread of the coronavirus numbers. The travel restrictions were initially implemented on March 18, and they were going to expire on June 30. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sent an email to CIC News confirming that the restrictions would not be lifted this month.

What will the extension entail?

The Order in Council announces that the travel restrictions will expire directly at 23:59:59 EDT on July 31. This means that the ongoing procedures will continue with no exception. Canada will only allow exempt candidates to enter the country. CBSA will assess and admit travelers solely for essential reasons. Immediate family members can continue to come to Canada.

The extension was not a surprise, considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said last week that Canada was not looking to re-open the borders in a hurry. Canada and the United States plan to extend the restrictions on cross-border travel until July 21 minimum.

Canada is trying to control the spread of coronavirus through this temporary measure. The country has also issued another Order in Council that will extend the quarantine requirement until the end of August. Most people entering Canada at the moment are being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.

Why the extension?

There is no doubt that the swift and effective travel restrictions imposed by Canada has played a major role in its success in flattening the coronavirus curve. Canada has recently been recording 200 or fewer new COVID-19 cases daily. However, it is important to not take the success for granted and still maintain caution. Social distancing is a recommended measure for the near future.