Canadian Press

By Canadian Press

Social distancing

PM: Social-distancing measures to remain for ‘weeks to months’

Mar 19, 2020 | 9:32 AM

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will take “weeks to months” for social-distancing measures to be lifted in the fight against COVID-19.

He says the government is following the advice of health experts and will not lift restrictions on public activities and movements until it is safe to do so.

Trudeau also called on Canadians who are able to do so donate blood.

The Canada-U.S. border will likely be closed to all non-essential travel in both directions as of Friday night.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the expected timing of the closure Thursday morning after leaders of the two countries revealed details of the plan Wednesday.

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Both countries have been in talks in recent days to negotiate a mutual ban on recreational travel without restricting the flow of two-way trade and commerce.

Essential cross-border workers like health-care professionals, air crews and others are to be permitted to cross.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it was vital to the economic health of both countries to avoid restricting the $2.7-billion worth of goods that cross the Canada-U.S. border each day.

She calls the agreement a testament to the strong partnership between the two countries even in the face of an escalating global crisis.