As it has been reported in this website, due to the reinforcement of restrictions on border crossings between Mexico and the United States as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented last Friday, August 21 by the U.S. Customs Border and Protection (CBP), checkpoints in Baja California had long lines with waiting times of up to 9 hours during the weekend.

"For the time being, the crossings in Brownsville, Laredo, Hidalgo, Progreso, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Douglas, Nogales, San Luis, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico West have been subject to further review by U.S. authorities through a double inspection system and the reduction of pedestrian and vehicular lanes, which has generated longer than usual waiting times to cross the border," was explained in astatement.

In view of this, this Tuesday, August 25, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, urged the population that usually crosses between these ports of entry into the American country for non-essential reasons to stop doing so.

This is a way to guarantee access to those people who, due to their type of activity, are essential at this time and need to cross faster.

"The Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego urges the population to avoid non-essential trips between U.S. and Mexican flags, in order to guarantee access to those workers who need to cross every day," said the Consulate.

It is worth mentioning that recently this agency also indicated that Baja California's checkpoints would open more lanes from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. this week.

According to some reports, it seems that these strict measures taken by CBP to prevent non-essential travel by U.S. residents and permanent citizens are succeeding, as at least this Tuesday morning the San Ysidro checkpoint was deserted.

Did you cross today? How much time did you make?