U.S. extends travel restrictions at Canada, Mexico borders until Aug. 21

The U.S. will extend its restrictions on non-essential travel at the borders with Canada and Mexico until at least Aug. 21, the U.S. Homeland Security Department said on Wednesday.

Why it matters: The announcement of the 30-day extension comes after Canada said Monday that it would begin allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents to enter the country starting Aug. 9.

• The U.S. initially imposed restrictions on non-essential travel with the two countries at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

What they're saying: “To decrease the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through August 21," a DHS spokesperson told Axios.

• "[The] DHS is in constant contact with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify the conditions under which restrictions may be eased safely and sustainably."

Go deeper: Canada will open its border to fully vaccinated Americans Aug. 9