Politics

Trump Closes US-Canada Border Over Coronavirus Concerns

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Christian Datoc Senior White House Correspondent
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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. would temporarily close its northern border with Canada over coronavirus fears.

Trump tweeted that the move, approved by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, would be temporary and only impact “non-essential traffic.”

“Trade will not be affected,” he clarified. (RELATED: A Pandemic Primary: How Coronavirus Will Change The Election For Trump, Biden, Bernie And The Voters)

The move comes after two Canadian provinces declared states of emergency over a growing number of coronavirus cases. Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus just days prior. Trudeau announced Sunday that Canada would close its borders to all non-residents, with the exception of the U.S.

“We can still slow the spread of this virus,” he said at the time. “It is time to take every precaution to keep people safe.”

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 13: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump (R) extends his hand to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2017 in Washington, D.C. This is the first time the two leaders are meeting at the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 13: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump (R) extends his hand to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2017 in Washington, D.C. This is the first time the two leaders are meeting at the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)

The U.S. had previously halted travel for all foreign nationals who had recently visited Europe in order to stop the spread of the pandemic. Despite announcing the opposite in his national address last Wednesday, the travel restrictions do not apply to economic cargo. The U.S. also previously closed travel to China, Iran, and other countries dealing with high numbers of coronavirus cases.

This is a developing story and will be updated with information as it becomes available.