The Canadian government announced this week that fully vaccinated American travelers and permanent residents will be able to cross the border beginning on Aug. 9.

The move will mark the end of 16 months of border restrictions.  Only essential workers had been able to cross the border.

Communities on both sides of the border have struggled financially during the shutdown.

Seventh District Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn, says that “not only has the prolonged border closure affected the ability of Americans to travel, they have also impeded the ability of Americans to earn a living."