Coronavirus: Canada closes borders to all non-citizens, except Americans

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, American Politics, Canadian Politics, Headlines, newnigerianpolitics.com, NNP News Monday, March 16th, 2020

By New Nigerian Politics – Toronto – As countries around the world struggle to cope with the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, Canada has become the latest country to embark on stringent measures to keep its citizens safe. On Monday, the prime minister of the country, Mr. Justin Trudeau, announced a sweeping ban on all foreign nationals who hold visitors visas from entering the country. The only exemption are Americans whom the PM says have an intricate economic relationship with Canada.

The ban does not apply to cargo shipments as well as diplomats and airline crew. It was unclear if international students who left the country briefly or those on work permit are affected by the ban. When the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, was asked this question, she was unable to provide clear answers and simply said essential workers might be allowed in. Transport minister, Marc Garneau later stated that the government will get back to Canadians on this question.

Emphasizing the severity of the situation, the prime minister asked all Canadians abroad to return home immediately while they can still travel given the fluidity of the pandemic. He stated, “Let me be clear, if you’re abroad, you should come home. If you’ve just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days.” As of this report, March 16, Canada has 324 cases of Coronavirus infection with the highest number of cases of 145 in Ontario, the most populated province. British Columbia has 73, while Alberta has 56. There has been one confirmed death.wp_posts