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US-Canada border closure extended to Feb. 21

U.S.-Canada border to remain closed In this photo taken Sunday, May 17, 2020, U.S. and Canadian flags fly atop the Peace Arch at Peace Arch Historical State Park on the border with Canada, where people can walk freely between the two countries at an otherwise closed border, in Blaine, Wash. (Elaine Thompson/AP, File)
(Elaine Thompson/AP, File)

Canada’s borders to the United States will remain closed to non-essential travelers until at least Feb. 21 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the restriction Tuesday. The current restrictions were set to expire Jan. 21.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Trudeau spoke briefly about the decision, adding “it will keep people on both sides of the border safe.”

The travel restriction was first imposed in March to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Since then, it has been renewed monthly.

Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, tweeted about the extension.

Essential workers such as health care professionals, airline crews and truck drivers are still allowed to cross.

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