FR 2020-28875

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document discussed here provides a correction to a previously issued notice about travel restrictions between the United States and Canada. This notice was originally published on December 22, 2020, in the Federal Register, but contained incorrect year references related to the dates of enforcement. The essential correction is simple: the date "January 21, 2020," was mistakenly used instead of "January 21, 2021." This discrepancy has been amended to maintain the accuracy of the travel restrictions information, which is critical in the context of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

General Summary

The central issue addressed by this document is a correction of dates involving temporary travel restrictions pertinent to land ports of entry and ferry services between the United States and Canada. The objective is to rectify potential confusion caused by the incorrect date originally printed, thus ensuring that the restriction policies related to COVID-19 are clear and correctly applied during the intended period.

Significant Issues or Concerns

An important consideration raised by this correction is the potential for confusion that such clerical errors can create, particularly in official communications affecting international travel restrictions. This type of mistake, if left uncorrected, could lead to misunderstandings amongst public and governmental stakeholders about when restrictions are active or terminated. The swift intervention to correct the date indicates an awareness of the importance of precision in regulatory documents, especially during a public health crisis.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, corrections like this are vital as they maintain the integrity and clarity of information regarding international travel. Accurate information is essential for citizens planning travel, those involved in cross-border business, and the broader community impacted by the movement restrictions due to COVID-19. The travel restrictions themselves are part of broader efforts to control the spread of the virus and protect public health, requiring the public's adherence and understanding.

Positive and Negative Impacts on Specific Stakeholders

Travelers and Businesses: For individuals and businesses, especially those dependent on cross-border travel, the correction clarifies the timeline of restrictions, allowing for accurate planning and decision-making. Incorrect information might have led to potentially costly mishaps or miscommunications.

Government and Border Control: Agencies responsible for the enforcement of these travel restrictions, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, rely on precise documents to effectively apply regulations. A documented correction ensures that border control staff have clear and enforceable guidelines, thereby enhancing their ability to maintain security and safety at national borders.

By addressing the clerical error swiftly, the Department of Homeland Security reaffirms its commitment to accuracy in regulatory measures, which helps in fostering public trust and compliance during challenging times such as a pandemic.