Fully vaccinated Americans can enter Canada as of mid-August

TORONTO (AP) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into the country as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September.

Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canada’s provinces on Thursday and a released a readout of the call.

“The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September,” the readout said.

"He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel.”

News10NBC’s Stephanie Duprey reports that’s a huge development for people who’ve been cut off from relatives and homes north of the border.

As of now, about 80% of eligible Canadians are vaccinated with their first dose and more than 50%are fully vaccinated. People from the U.S. side say this is news that they thought would never come.

"Especially with this Delta variant if that takes hold he might decide maybe not." Nancy Trimmer said.

"Until we’re actually across the border, I won’t believe it," Herb Trimmer said.

If vaccination statuses go accordingly we could expect fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for nonessential travel.