US President Donald Trump has closed the country's border with Canada to non-essential travellers as the coronavirus epidemic intensified in both countries - but he said that trade would not be impacted.
The shutdown of the 8,891-kilometre international boundary - the longest in the world between two countries - built on Mr Trump's barring of visitors from most of Europe, China and other parts of the world, as the number of confirmed virus cases in the US surged past 6,500, with 115 deaths.
"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected," Mr Trump tweeted.
"We are at war with an invisible enemy, but that enemy is no match for the spirit and resolve of the American people."
The president later told a news conference that the border would be reopened in "say 30 days" adding: "Hopefully at the end of 30 days we'll be in great shape."
Shortly after Mr Trump announced the closure, the US Senate passed a $100 billion emergency package to help workers hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measure, which earlier cleared the House of Representatives and now goes to the President for his signature, would provide for free coronavirus testing, sick pay and paid family leave, and bolster unemployment insurance for millions of Americans.
The bill is the second emergency congressional aid package passed this month, and comes as politicians negotiate a new, mammoth federal stimulus package with the Trump administration that could reach $1.3 trillion, and would include emergency checks to Americans.
US President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House with representatives of American nurses. Source: AP
In Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after speaking with Mr Trump by telephone: "Travellers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism.
"In both our countries, we're encouraging people to stay home," he told a news conference. "I want to be clear, though, that essential travel will continue," he said.
"Supply chains including trucking will also not be affected by this new measure."
The US is Canada's number one trading partner, with some 200,000 people and an estimated $2 billion worth of goods crossing the border each day.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference on COVID-19 situation. Source: Getty
"Our governments recognise that it is critical that we preserve supply chains between both countries," Mr Trudeau said.
"These supply chains ensure that food fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border."
On Monday, Mr Trudeau announced that Canada was closing its borders to foreign travellers with the exception of Americans - a position that drew criticism in Canada.
As of Thursday morning, Canada had more than 600 confirmed coronavirus cases and nine deaths.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Australian Government's website, and can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
