TORONTO — As anticipated, the U.S.-Canada border closure has been extended by another month, to at least Nov. 21.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair confirmed the news today on Twitter, saying “our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe.”

We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until November 21st, 2020. Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe. More info:https://t.co/EZ3pi3asJr

— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) October 19, 2020

The two countries previously agreed to extend the temporary restriction of all non-essential travel across their shared border until Oct. 21. Incidental travel vacations – day trips and cross-border shopping excursions – has been forbidden since March in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The restrictions do not apply to those providing essential services in either country, including trade shipments and cross-border workers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the restrictions won’t be lifted until there’s clear evidence the pandemic is easing in the United States. As of Oct. 19, the U.S. has reported 8.19 million cases of COVID-19. And over 220,000 deaths.

President Donald Trump, however, said last month that Canada wants the border to reopen “pretty soon” – a claim that is not supported by public opinion polls.

Back in July one of Canada’s highest-profile medical experts throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Isaac Bogoch, said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Canada-U.S. border stays closed until into 2021.

With file from The Canadian Press