The United States and Canada are working on their social distancing.
The two countries have been working to finalize a short-term border policy to restrict travel to curb the spread of the coronavirus, according to a report from the Associated Press. The two countries hope a mutual travel ban on nonessential visits could mitigate infections.
However, there will be several exemptions. Canada, which relies on the U.S. for three-fourths of its exports, wants to ensure that truck drivers are allowed to cross the border to keep the economy flowing. Canadians who winter in the U.S. are also expected to be exempt from the travel restrictions.
President Trump confirmed the reports of a border deal on Wednesday morning, tweeting, “We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”
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We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau already implemented a travel ban on most nations except the U.S. He cited “the level of integration of our two economies” as the reason Americans were excluded.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland warned the negotiations surrounding travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada must be carefully executed, saying, “Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day, and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border.”
Freeland added, “We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border. Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day. So it is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.″
As of Wednesday morning, the U.S. had nearly 6,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, while Canada had just under 600 cases. Canada’s neighboring state of Washington has been one of the hardest-hit states in the U.S. It is not clear when travel restrictions will be announced.
