-Editorial
U.S. officials announced new restrictions on the Southern border Friday as they try to halt the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Only “essential travel” will be allowed to cross.
Essential travel includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States, people traveling for medical purposes (e.g. people getting treatment in the U.S.), individuals traveling to attend school, people traveling to work, individuals responding to emergency response and public health, people engaged in lawful cross border trade, people in diplomatic roles, members of the Armed Forces, spouses and children returning to the U.S.
In a joint statement, the U.S. and Mexican governments recognize critical services such as food, fuel, healthcare, and life-saving medicines must reach people on both sides of the border every day.
“Non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Additionally, both countries are encouraging people to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary contact with others.
“This collaborative and reciprocal initiative is an extension of our nations’ prudent approach that values the health and safety of our citizens in the joint decisions made by our respective leaders regarding cross-border operations.”