US, Canada border to remain closed until late June

ANKARA

The longest undefended border in the world between Canada and the US is likely to remain closed until late June, according to reports Wednesday from Canada.

Both countries agreed in March to close the border to non-essential travelers when the coronavirus pandemic hit North America.

In April, they extended the measures until May to further stem the spread of the virus.

Citing unidentified sources familiar with the matter, the Globe and Mail news outlet in Canada said the administrations of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump are communicating to keep restrictions in place until June 21.

"We’re going to be very, very careful about reopening any international travel including the United States before we feel that it is time," Trudeau told reporters Tuesday at a news briefing. For his part, Trump in April said the border would be one of the earliest to reopen once the effect of COVID-19 spread is minimal.

The global coronavirus recoveries from COVID-19 exceeded the 1.5 million mark Wednesday, according to a running tally by US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Data shows the number of cases worldwide surpassed 4.27 million with more than 292,000 deaths recorded.

The US has the highest number of recoveries with 230,287, followed by Germany at 148,700 and Spain with 138,980. However, Washington has also registered a whopping 82,389 deaths and more than 1.37 million cases.

Canada has registered more than 72,000 coronavirus infections and 5,300 deaths.