On Monday morning, the Associated Press reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will close the country’s borders to non-citizens.
BREAKING: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will close his country's border to non-citizens amid #coronavirus pandemic – @AP
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) March 16, 2020
GlobalNews.ca reported:
Speaking to reporters from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Trudeau said Canada will be closing it’s borders to people who are not Canadian citizens, or permanent residents of Canada. Trudeau said exceptions will be made for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members and U.S. citizens. He said second, airlines will ban anyone who is showing symptoms of the virus from getting on a plane. “That means anyone who has symptoms will not be able enter Canada,” he said.
Trudeau said Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montreal Trudeau Airport and Calgary International Airport will still receive international flights. He added that domestic flights and flights from the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean will still be in service.
Canada’s Minister of Health Patty Hajdu stated: “Now is the time to pull out all the stops to flatten the curve or slow the rate of infection. This will be very hard and it will require much personal sacrifice. It will require all of us helping in many different ways. The measures that we take now will protect people in our communities that are most at risk and ensure that our healthcare system can meet any surge in demand.”
She continued, “All of us can take actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home; wash your hands well and often. Practice social distancing. I know that many people are thinking of running out of food and other essential supplies; please note that we are not running out of food or other supplies. The Retail Council of Canada is working very closely with our government to ensure that our supply chain remains strong. Please don’t buy more than you need in a two-week period. Remember your neighbors; those people that buy just in time. Buy only what you need; be kind to one another. Even though this is going to be very hard, Canada is strong; Canadians are strong, and we’ve been through times that are hard before. The things that we do now that require sacrifice and generosity will get us through this time together.”
The Daily Wire reported last Friday that Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, had been quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus. Trudeau’s office said in a statement:
The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days. Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently.”
Sophie Trudeau later delivered a personal statement:
First, I’d like to say a big thank you to all of you who have reached out to me asking how I’m doing. Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon. Being in a quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns. We will get through this situation together. Please share the facts and take your health seriously. I send you all my courage and warm thoughts (but only ‘get better’ hugs from afar!)”