Restrictions Hurting Travel to Minnesota’s Northwest Angle

The U.S. State Department has been asked to step in to resolve an issue impacting residents and businesses in Minnesota’s Northwest Angle.  The Angle cannot be accessed by land without traveling north of the border.   Due to border restrictions enacted by Canada Angle residents are required to present a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel through Canada.

U.S. Senator Tina Smith says she has pressed Canadian officials on the issue since last year without reaching a solution.   According to Smith the effect of these policies prohibit Americans from traveling to their homes and starve tourism reliant business owners of their customer base.  According to the Senator the trip to the nearest community for groceries or a medical appointment is no longer routine.