Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he will close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident and asked all Canadians to say home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“All Canadians as much as possible should stay home,“ Trudeau said outside his residence, where he is self-isolating after his wife tested positive for the virus.
Trudeau said his government based its decisions on science and public health recommendations, but said Americans would be exempted despite cases surging in the US
“We recognize that the level of integration of our two economies,“ he said.
The US is by far Canada’s largest trading partner accounting for 75 percent of the country’s exports. Trudeau has spoken to US President Donald Trump in recent days.
Trudeau also said his government will restrict flights to Canada to airports in four major cities. The Canadian government is also mandating air carriers to screen passengers with symptoms of the novel coronavirus out of lines so they don’t board planes home.
He said the country is taking “increasingly aggressive steps” to keep everyone safe.
“We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents,” said @JustinTrudeau. “Some designated exceptions including for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and, at this time, U.S. citizens.” #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/UbWeIwif76
— Power & Politics (@PnPCBC) March 16, 2020
“If you’re abroad, it’s time for you to come home,” said @JustinTrudeau. “If you’ve just arrived you must self-isolate for 14 days and finally all Canadians, as much as possible, should stay home.” #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RQg6L5pQKz
— Power & Politics (@PnPCBC) March 16, 2020
COVID-19 update: Trudeau addresses the nation | Special coverage with @RosieBarton https://t.co/zV7sidrBum https://t.co/Gusshlvkb5
— CBC News (@CBCNews) March 16, 2020