Canada-US border could open this month

Mayors in some Canadian cities report that there is hope for an easing of restrictions at the U.S. border if vaccination rates stay the same.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair addressed the mayors of border towns. Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, which relies heavily on American tourists, shared Blair's statement with reporters.

"He hasn't said exactly, but presumably June 22 is the date on which anything could change," Diodati said. — We're hoping to get some more confirmation this week."

The land border between Canada and the US has been closed since March 2020. In May, the regime was once again extended until June 21. But as more people in both countries get vaccinated, there are increasing reports that the restrictions could ease, at least for vaccinated tourists.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously said that 75% of the country's population needs to receive the first dose of the vaccine and 20% have been fully immunized to resume travel. Drew Dilkens, mayor of Winsor, Ontario, said Blair said Canada is already approaching the required level of vaccination.

"They believe and project that we can reach the goal by June 21," Dilkens reported. — He [Blair] said they are looking at a logical phased opening."

Both mayors also revealed that Blair had talked about allowing vaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers to cross the border, with those who have only been vaccinated once likely to face some restrictions.

Justin Trudeau, when asked by reporters about the lifting of restrictions, said the government will soon release exact information on what measures it is willing to relax for vaccinated tourists. The prime minister is still voicing concerns about new variants of the virus, and noted that Canada needs confirmation that incoming tourists are vaccinated.

Recently it was revealed that as of July 1, Canadians flying in from overseas will be exempt from a 2-week self-exclusion and a 3-day hotel quarantine.