U.S.-Canada Border Closed to 'Nonessential Traffic'

The United States and Canada have mutually agreed to close the border between the two countries to all 'nonessential traffic' amid the spreading coronavirus, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.

The closure of the world's longest border (5,525 miles), will not affect trade or business between the two countries, Trump wrote on Twitter. While details are still being worked out by the Department of Homeland Security, the closure would not apply to U.S. citizens, legal residents and their families.

"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic," Trump tweeted. "Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!"

The U.S. has not closed its border with Mexico, where 100 cases have been confirmed. The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration was working on a plan to impose emergency border controls with Mexico that would immediately send migrants who cross the border illegally back to Mexico, including those who are seeking asylum.

The move builds on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement on Monday that Canada would close its borders to foreigners, with the exception of Americans.

The news comes following an announcement from the White House last week that all foreign travelers from Europe were being banned for the next thirty days, including travelers from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

More than 6,500 cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, have been confirmed in the U.S. At least 115 people have died.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

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