The United States government is extending the requirement that non-US citizens crossing land or ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canadian borders must be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The requirements were first adopted in November as part of the reopening of the United States for overland travel by foreign tourists, after the borders were closed to most visitors in March 2020. Vaccination requirements were set to expire on Thursday.
There are some limited exceptions to the rules, including those that have recently recovered from COVID-19.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the decision was made in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), citing a large mismatch in hospitalization and mortality among the unvaccinated compared to those vaccinated.
DHS did not announce the duration of the extension, stating that the requirement “may be amended or revoked at any time”.
In January, DHS expanded vaccination requirements for foreign key workers, such as truck drivers and nurses crossing U.S. land borders.
Michigan Agricultural Business Association President Chuck Lipstro criticized DHS for “failing to provide exemptions from this policy for agricultural truck drivers” and said it was “flying in the face of the reality of the land here in Michigan, where our agricultural sector continues.” facing supply disruptions, rising cross-border costs and a continuing shortage of drivers. “
As in Canada, truck drivers in the United States protested against vaccine mandates. A convoy traveling around the country to Washington, D.C. to protest COVID-19 mandates is seen on March 6 in Hagerstown, Maryland (Stephanie Keith / Reuters)
Some American truck drivers protested against the rules, although demonstrations for mandates were not as widespread as in Canada in the winter.
International air passengers over the age of two, regardless of nationality, must pass a negative test for the virus before arriving, and non-US citizens must also show proof of vaccination.
People traveling by land or ferry do not need to provide a negative test.
At the southern border with Mexico, the US government said it planned to end its public health mandate, known as Title 42, in late May, which prevented migrants from arriving at border checkpoints seeking asylum.
Changes to Canadian rules have also been announced
Meanwhile, major US airlines want the government to end testing requirements for COVID-19 before leaving for vaccinated international passengers traveling to the United States.
They argue that testing requirements are unnecessary and discourage Americans from traveling abroad because of the cost of testing and the risks of being blocked abroad if tested positive.
Last week, a Florida court overturned the mandate for a mask for U.S. passengers, with Joe Biden’s administration saying it planned to appeal the decision.
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Canadian government officials on Friday announced several small changes of their own to ease restrictions on international travelers, which will take effect on April 25. Unvaccinated children aged 5 to 11 traveling with a fully vaccinated adult will no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter Canada, while fully vaccinated passengers and all children under 12 accompanying them will no longer need to be vaccinated. they will not have to provide their quarantine plan when they enter the country.
When vaccinated people arrive in Canada, they will not need to wear a mask for 14 days, keep a contact list, or report symptoms of COVID-19.
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