“I think opening the border would put us at particular risk,” Hirji said in a recent interview.
Hirji noted that Canada has been fairly successful at controlling the spread of the variant compared to other jurisdictions, and lifting border measures too early could reverse that progress. The variant has caused reopening setbacks and infection surges even in highly vaccinated countries like the U.K. and Israel.
Mutual travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. are currently due to expire July 21. The rules, that make exceptions for trade, essential workers and international students, have been extended several times during the pandemic.