Laredo Times

A ban on tourism at the U.S.-Mexico border has been extended beyond mid-July.

The extension, which was announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Mexican Foreign Ministry, comes at a time when businesses on both sides of the border are struggling because of the economic repercussions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Laredo Morning Times reported that the ban will run through July 21, with another extension possible as Texas grapples with rising positive cases of the coronavirus.

While the Mexican government allows citizens to go into the United States for work, school and emergencies, those with tourist visas have not been able to travel north or south since March.

Laredo Chamber of Commerce President Miguel Conchas told the Morning Times that the prolonged ban will continue to deal stores, hotels and restaurants severe blows to their bottom lines. Much of their clientele is from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.