President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced plans to close the border between the two countries to “non-essential” traffic as the world gets a handle on the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s not affecting trade,” Mr. Trump said at a White House briefing. “It’s just something we thought would be good for both countries.”
The closure will be temporary.
“I would say 30 days,” Mr. Trump said. “Hopefully at the end of 30 days, we’ll be in great shape.”
The 5,525-mile border is the longest one in the world between two countries.
Mr. Trudeau said that essential travel would continue and that he spoke with Mr. Trump earlier in the day about it.
“Our governments recognize that it is critical that we preserve supply chains between both countries,” Mr. Trudeau said. “Supply chains, including trucking, will not be affected by this new measure.”
Mr. Trudeau vowed to ensure a “smooth flow of goods and essential materials, medication, across the border.”
“That is something that we remain committed to,” he said. “These measures will last in place as long as we feel that they need to last.”
Mr. Trudeau had announced earlier in the week that Canada would close its borders to non-citizens and urged Canadian travelers to return home as quickly as they could.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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