Canada, US set to extend border closure to end-July - sources

Canada and the US are set to extend a ban on non-essential travel to late July as both countries seek to control the spread of the coronavirus, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Washington and Ottawa introduced month-long restrictions in March and renewed them in April and May. The ban, currently due to expire on June 21, does not affect trade. Canadian and US sources said although the governments had not yet taken a final decision, a further extension was highly likely. "It's going to be a clean rollover" on June 21, said a US source who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. "We will want to look at it again in July." A majority of provinces have privately told Ottawa they are reluctant to resume non-essential travel, said a second source. Extending the measures would hurt Canadian airlines and the tourism industry. Carriers, including Air Canada, have been among the worst hit as travel bans resulted in thousands of flight cancellations. "There is a push from some sectors for reopening (the border), like Air Canada," a Canadian government source said. Asked about reopening the border, Air Canada said in a statement that governments around the world are relaxing restrictions and said it was working with tourism and industry groups to "streamline and clarify rules around travel".<br/>