Canada extended a measure barring most foreign travelers from entering the country amid continued efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said on Friday on Twitter. "Our government is extending the existing restrictions on international travel to Canada by one month — until September 30, 2020 — to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said Blair in a Tweet sent out Friday afternoon. The extension to Sept. 30 applies to foreign travelers entering Canada from outside the United States. "Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada will continue to be subject to strict quarantine measures." The ongoing restrictions prohibit all non-essential or discretionary travel to Canada from countries other than the United States. This includes any leisure travel, such as vacation and entertainment travel, for non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Canadians who choose to travel abroad, including to the US, will be required to self-isolate upon their return. Essential workers, including health-care professionals, airline crews and commercial truckers will continue to be exempt from quarantine measures. Some immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will also be allowed to enter Canada by air if exempt, said a Global News report. Friday's announcement also does not affect the Canada-US land border, which remains closed to all non-essential travel until Sept. 21. — Agencies
