<![CDATA[Coronavirus: Canada shutting borders to non-citizens and non-residents in dramatic escalation of pandemic fight]>
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the country is closing its borders to travellers who are not citizens or permanent residents, in a dramatic escalation Monday of the government's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
"These measures will help save lives," he said, telling Canadians they should not go out and should simply "stay home".
US citizens are being exempted from the border ban on foreigners, for now, Trudeau said. Other exemptions will apply to diplomats, aircrew and some others, including the immediate family members of Canadians.
"The level of integration of our two countries ... puts the US in a separate category to the rest of the world," he said.
At a bank in Toronto on Monday, people watch Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease. Photo: Reuters alt=At a bank in Toronto on Monday, people watch Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease. Photo: Reuters
The travel restrictions "will not apply to commerce or trade", Trudeau added. "We will continue to ensure the supply of important goods to Canada.
"I know these measures are far-reaching. They are exceptional circumstances, calling for exceptional measures."
Trudeau said he had informed fellow G7 members of the new Canadian measures.
Trudeau, whose wife tested positive for Covid-19 last week, emerged from medical self-isolation to announce the raft of measures that also include ordering airlines to ban anyone showing symptoms of the disease.
"Anyone with symptoms will not be able to come to Canada," he said.
Starting Thursday, foreign flights will be redirected from smaller international airports into Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal or Calgary.
Trudeau spoke outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he has been sequestered with his children since Sophie Gregoire Trudeau tested positive for the virus on Thursday. His self-isolation is due to last two weeks.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, when he announced that Canada is closing its borders to foreign travellers, except Americans. Photo: AFP alt=Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, when he announced that Canada is closing its borders to foreign travellers, except Americans. Photo: AFP
An assistance programme for asymptomatic Canadians abroad who wish to return home is also being introduced, Trudeau said. This would include funds to get them home and cover other costs of "basic needs".
"If you're abroad it is time for you to come home ... while it is still possible to do so," Trudeau told Canadians overseas, telling them they would have to submit to 14 days of self-isolation. Canadians should not engage in any non-essential travel until further notice, he said.
The prime minister said the "window is closing" to control the spread of Covid-19.
"All Canadians, as much as possible, should stay home," he said. "By staying home, you not only protect your health and that of those around you, but ensure that our health care professionals and our systems can focus on those who need their help."
He added that "this is an adjustment for all of us, but we know staying home is an important step to protect the community and each other. We all have to do it."
Canada has announced 377 cases of Covid-19.
This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
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