Essential travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, first instituted in March 2020, between the United States and Canada (and Mexico), will continue until July 21, 2021, or will be lifted earlier for fully immunized people. This is good news for communities on both sides of the northern border who are feeling family and economic pain.

Not only are Canadians and Americans missed by family and friends who live across the border, but many small American towns along the northern border have suffered from the disruption of a “symbiotic relationship.” With Canadian consumers. Since the prices of everyday consumer goods such as gasoline and milk are considerably lower in the United States, Canadians could previously simply cross the border to shop. But due to travel restrictions, sales fell sharply. Previously, Canadians would ship items to border towns in the United States to avoid the high cost of international shipping to Canada. But since they can no longer easily cross the border to collect their packages, letterbox service companies are inundated with goods that have not been recovered or are simply losing money each month for lack of business. While large chain stores are better able to absorb these temporary losses, smaller businesses cannot, and they are. can’t wait to see the restrictions lifted.

There is hope, however, that the restrictions will ease. Task forces have been created to study the issue, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the restrictions will not be lifted until 75% of Canadians are fully immunized. The Chief Medical Officer of Canada estimated that if vaccinations continue at the current rate, this goal could be reached in a matter of weeks. In addition, as of 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on July 5, 2021, restrictions on fully vaccinated individuals (who are otherwise eligible to enter Canada, that is to say, not subject to essential travel restrictions) will be relaxed. Fully immunized individuals who have received Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines will no longer need quarantine, participate in a mandatory hotel stay, or take COVID-19 testing eight days after arrival if they meet eligibility requirements. Whether they do or not will be decided at the border.

To benefit from the “fully vaccinated” exemption, travelers must, among other things:

• Submit COVID-19 related information in ArriveCAN prior to your arrival;

• Meet pre and arrival testing requirements;

• Be asymptomatic;

• Have an acceptable quarantine plan (in case quarantine is required); and

• Bring written proof of vaccination in English or French (or with a certified translation).

A detailed overview of requirements is on the Government of Canada website.