Details of the travel ban between Canada and the U.S. are being hammered out, but federal ministers are discouraging anyone from crossing the border right away.
The U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both confirmed on Wednesday a ban on non-essential travel is coming.
In a press conference Wednesday morning top federal ministers focused on the ban on travel between Canada and the U.S. and the on-going need for Canadians to do social distancing to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
All non-essential travel between the two countries has been banned, but with $2.7 billion in trade every day, the agreement between Canada and U.S. will ensure supply lines stay open, said Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety.
But Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said that the details on the ban are being worked out and will be announced as soon as they are ready.
However, she emphasized that no one should be travelling even though the restrictions aren’t in place yet.
Any travel between the two countries will be restricted for recreation and tourism reasons, but those who need to travel for essential or urgent reasons will be allowed to cross the border.
Dr. Theresa Tam, chief public health officer of Canada, said there has been a “sharp rise” in cases and in some provinces, some cases have no links to travel.
“This is a signal there is some degree of community spread so our time to act is now,” Tam said.
There are 598 cases confirmed in Canada and eight deaths, and there have been 50,000 people tested so far.
Tam added provincial health ministries are laser-focused on detecting and interrupting any transmission of coronavirus.
Tam emphasized that people should avoid public places or keep to the two-metre space. She added there will be many inconveniences, but she also encouraged people to go outside and get fresh air and shop as long as the two metres are maintained.
“This is our chance, right here and right now,” Tam said.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, said the situation in Canada is evolving, but two more diagnostic tests have been approved for provinces to test for coronavirus.
In public interest, emergency economic measures would need to be passed. The government will ask the speaker to recall the house, which could happen within 48 hours. This could take place next week.
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