• RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions to non-essential travel at the US-Mexico land border due to the coronavirus pandemic will be extended through October 21, the Mexican Government said Thursday. Originally enacted on March 21, border restrictions do not involve cross-border trade.
• ASSESSMENT: “Restrictions will remain in the same terms as they have developed since they were implemented on March 21. Both countries will coordinate on sanitary measures in the border region”, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said after conducting a review of the coronavirus spread.
• CRITICISM: Since its enactment, the policy has allowed US citizens and permanent residents to continue making northbound trips given that the US sees their travel as essential. Businesses on the US side that depend on cross-border shopping have urged ending to restrictions on Mexican citizens.
• SHOPPERS: “Without the Mexican shoppers it is very hard for them to stay in business. Some have gone under already”, Democratic Congressman Henry Cuéllar said last week in the Laredo, Texas. Cuéllar has proposed lifting restrictions while conducting rapid tests at entry points.
