BC health officials believe it is still too early to reopen border with US

Top health officials in British Columbia believe it’s still too early to reopen the United States Border as the province plans the reopening of its economy.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said it is not yet time for BC to allow non-essential travel during an update with Dr. Bonnie Henry, according to CTV News.

He added that provinces are working together in Canada but it may not be the case on the other side of the border.

"With respect to the United States right now it would make no sense to have visitors travelling from either Canada to the United States and returning, or to have visitors … travelling from the United States to Canada," Dix said.

Non-essential travel was restricted for 30 days on March 21 and then extended for an additional 30 days close to the end of April. The restrictions are now set to end on May 21 if there is no further extension.

Henry noted that it is important to reunite families but health officials are still concerned about the borders reopening.

"I know it has been very hard on some families who have members on either side of the border," she said. "But broad reopening of the borders is not in our best interest in the coming weeks."

Dix pointed out that Premier John Horgan has "repeatedly made this point to the prime minister."

Horgan also spoke on the issue during a town hall meeting, noting that he has been talking with the Washington States governor. He said that it will still be some time before non-essential travel will be allowed at the border.

"I also want to make sure that the gains we've made here in British Columbia aren't relieved because we have a group of people coming from south of the border," Horgan said Friday.

"We will see the borders remain closed for the foreseeable future."