Related Articles
-Editorial
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced new measures that will be taken at the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to curb non-essential travel during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
There have been reports of up to 6 hour wait times in the Calexico-Mexicali port of entry. Customs and Border Protection said that while U.S. residents can continue to cross the border, they should only travel to Mexico for essential business only. These new measures will be in effect on the Calexico, Otay, and San Ysidro Ports of Entry.
“To further reduce non-essential travelers from crossing the border, the ports of entry will limit resources during peak times for non-essential travel. These measures are taken in order to reduce the risk of further spread into the United States,” the press release read.
According to CBP, a recent survey taken by 100,000 travelers found that more than 60% of travel across the border by U.S. citizens and permanent residents were not considered essential.
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed on Aug. 13 that the border travel restrictions between the U.S. and Mexico will continue through the month of September.
Ebrard said the COVID-19 situation continues to be high in the southern part of the United States and both countries decided to extend the travel restriction again as they continue to monitor the situation.
The Calexico East Port of Entry closes at 2 p.m everyday.
