Updated 20th March 2020, 7.18am est – Prime Minister Trudeau has announced closures expected to take place tonight, Fri 20th.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Trudeau hinted that border closures might be coming, saying that “nothing is off the table” and yesterday it was firmly placed on the table as both Trudeau & Trump announced that the worlds longest border would be shut to “all non-essential travel”. The closure follows widespread border closures throughout Europe and the wider world in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Firm details are still to be confirmed but here’s what’s known so far:

• “Trade will not be affected” – presumably commercial lanes at border crossing will be unaffected. More than $2 billion worth of trade crosses the border each day.
• Essential travel, other than commercial travel, will be permitted for Canadians, US Citizens and permanent residents. Canadians who need to travel for other “urgent reasons” will be allowed to said Prime Minister Trudeau.
• President Trump said that the restrictions would be for 30 days or more.
• Hospital and other healthcare workers with a NAFTA visa will be exempt from the restrictions.
• For Canadians returning home, Prime Minister Trudeau said they “must self isolate for 14 days” and “now is the time to come home.”