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Some communities feel the pinch as U.S. and Canada close border to nonessential travel

Some businesses seeing fewer customers from the other side of the border.

The U.S.-Canada border is closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The U.S.-Canada border is closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Lars Hagberg/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. and Canada have closed their border to nonessential travel to limit the spread of COVID-19. That’s hit some border communities hard, especially where people normally cross frequently to shop for groceries and other basic needs.

Changes are already apparent in Canada and some communities in northern U.S. states, where small businesses say they have seen a drop in patrons who cross the border to shop. Normally, some customers cross for convenience because stores on the other side are closer. Others cross to find lower prices.

The travel restrictions were put in place for one month, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said when he announced them that the measures “will last in place as long as we feel that they need to last.”

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