U.S. FUMES AS CANADA EXTENDS TRAVEL BAN UNTIL JULY 21

Canada is extending a ban on nonessential travel with the United States and the rest of the world until July 21, officials said, prompting frustration from businesses and US legislators, David Ljunggren reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Canada is under pressure from companies and the tourism industry to ease the ban, which was imposed in March 2020 to help contain the spread of the coronavirus and has been renewed on a monthly basis ever since.

But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood firm, saying the border would stay largely shut until 75% of Canadians had received the first of a two-dose coronavirus vaccine and 20% had been given both shots.

Although Trudeau said Canada had basically achieved the first target, official data released after he spoke showed 73.4% had received their first shot. Only 5.5% of the eligible population has had both shots.

"Even a fully vaccinated individual can pass on COVID-19 to someone who is not vaccinated," Trudeau told reporters, saying Canada needed to avoid "any further massive waves."

The extended border closure comes as the western province of Alberta unveiled plans to fully reopen on July 1, lifting virtually all remaining public health restrictions, after 70% of eligible Albertans received their first vaccination dose.

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