U.S./Canada Close Border To Fight COVID-19

The governments of the United States and Canada have mutually agreed to restrict all non-essential travel across its borders, as both countries try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday supply lines of trade goods remain open, however persons who are simply traveling will no longer be able to cross the border for tourism and recreational purposes. He added specific rules on the travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. are in flux and continue to evolve.

“We talked about exactly that this morning, President Trump and I. We are looking at all options, we’re not taking any options off the table, to insure that, indeed, our economies and our peoples who are so interconnected in so many different ways, to insure the smooth flow of goods and essential materials and medication across the border. These measures will last, in place, as long as we feel they need to last. We will, again, closely coordinate on that as well.”

When asked if he's considering implementing the ‘Emergency Measures Act’ which would restrict travel within Canada, Trudeau responded not yet, but the government is looking at all options.

“We will continue to look at measures as they become necessary. I will highlight, of course, that the Emergency Measures Act is a significant step, not one we feel we need today, but not one we are closing the door to in the future if necessary.”

Trudeau  is in self-isolation. His wife Sophie was confirmed as positive for COVID-19 late last week.

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