WASHINGTON D.C. (WBAP/KLIF News) – In an effort to curb the spread of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the United States and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to non-essential travel.
President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday morning that the decision to tighten restrictions won’t affect trade between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters outside his Ottawa home, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the move shows how countries can work together to fight this pandemic.
“Travelers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism. In both our countries, we’re encouraging people to stay home. We’re telling our citizens to not visit their neighbors if they don’t absolutely have to. This collaborative and reciprocal measure is an extension of that prudent approach,” he said.
The Associated Press reports Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports while about 18% of American exports go to Canada.
So far, at least 116 people have died and more than 6500 have been infected with COVID-19 in the United States.
At least eight people have died and almost 600 Canadians have been infected with coronavirus.
Copyright 2020. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
