HIDALGO, Texas (CBS 4) — Even though Texas Governor Greg Abbot’s executive order to stay home ends on May 1, international borders will not be returning back to normal just yet.
“It’s not that we’re closed, it’s that travel restrictions are still in effect,” said Philip Barrera, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.
This means no one should enter the United States unless it’s essential.
“Which means that a person coming over just for visiting, leisure, non-essential travel is still not allowed,” said Barrera.
The Southern and Northern Borders have been shut down to non-essential travel as of March 24 and have been extended.
“It initially was going to be for 30 days which was the 20th of April, DHS extended it for another 30 days,” said Barrera.
The travel ban remains until May 20, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
CBP is reporting a 50% decrease in traffic at ports of entries.
One month ago there was a 70% decrease in traffic at ports of entries.
“We want to stress although Texas and other states have opened up businesses in phase 1, we want to make sure people are aware travel from Mexico, the restrictions are still in effect,” said Barrera.
U.S. Citizens and permanent legal residents can still enter the country as normal.
CBP will be looking for anyone who displays COVID-19 symptoms and it’s possible if you are you may not be allowed to cross back over.
“It’s protocol, anybody coming in we inspect for any kind of symptoms. we do have protocols in place where we contact CDC and the locals such as the county, but up to now those cases have been very very limited,” said Barrera.
People traveling to receive medical treatment or to work would also be allowed into the U.S. after inspection.
For more on the travel ban, you can read here.
