Ottawa, Jun 11 (IANS): Canada and the US were discussing extension of the cross-border agreement restricting all non-essential traffic beyond the June 21 deadline set last month, the media reported.

It is unclear how long the agreement will be extended, reports Xinhua news agency.

The two countries reached an agreement in March to temporarily close the border to non-essential travel to fight the spread of COVID-19.

It bans recreational visits while keeping it open to commercial traffic and essential workers who cross the border for work.

The agreement was extended in April by 30 days until May 21, before being extended for another 30 days last month.

At a daily briefing on Wednesday, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the arrangement with the US is working very well and conversations are happening daily between the two governments.

On Monday, rime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government would allow immediate family members of citizens and permanent residents to cross the border.

However, Trudeau added that anyone who enters the country will have to self-quarantine for 14 days, and failure to follow the rules could result in serious penalties.