Canada to ease border restrictions in August

Effective Aug. 9, Canada plans to ease travel restrictions for Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This change will open the Canadian side for "American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel," according to the Monday announcement. The Canadian government has the larger goal of opening the border to all fully vaccinated travelers as of Sept. 7, and Monday's news was a first step in that direction. The U.S. border remains closed. 

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott praised the welcome note of progress.

"Vermonters value the close trading relationship and friendship we share with Canadians, and I know many are eagerly awaiting visiting again after more than 16 months," he said in a statement. 

The governor added, “As Vermont leads the United States in vaccinations, and Canada makes great progress administering vaccines, now is the time to begin safely resuming non-essential travel, and I hope our federal government follows suit."

At a media briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration was not committing to a reopening time for the northern border yet.

"We are continuing to review our travel restrictions and any decisions about reopening travel will be guided by our public health and medical experts," Psaki said.

— Gareth Henderson