WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on Sunday that the U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico will be closed for non-essential travel at least until July 21.

The 30-day extension came after Canada announced on Friday that the extension was due to expire on Monday and had been implemented since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The US government held a working group meeting with Canada and Mexico last week.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that it has noted “positive developments in recent weeks and is participating in expert working groups between the White House and Canada and Mexico with other U.S. agencies to determine the conditions under which it can be safe and secure. Continue to relax restrictions.”

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Peter Cooney)