Breaking News: Canada shuts down borders to non-Citizen / non-Permanent Resident

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the drastic travel restriction measures to bar entry of international travellers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Exceptions will be in place for U.S. citizens, diplomats, crew and immediate family members of citizens. Passengers showing covid-19 virus symptoms will also not be allowed to enter the country. This travel restriction will take effect on March 18th, Wednesday.

Four major airports In Canada will only accept international flights: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

However, the American border will remain open flights from Canada, and there is currently no plan to restrict domestic flights within Canada. Canadians and permanent residents are going to be allowed to come back home, but have been warned to do so quickly. The recent travel restrictions had taken many people by surprise, and it could not be ruled out that further restrictions may apply in the future.

The Canadian government had committed $10 billion to support the country’s businesses and to help its citizens to combat the corona virus pandemic. Canadians were reassured that financial support from the government will be extended during this global crisis, with plans to protect consumers from failing to pay for their mortgage, and bankruptcy protection policies.

Recent figures from South Korea have shown extensive symptomatic testing, as well as self-quarantine to be key in flattening the curve of infection. Many Canadian provinces had taken aggressive steps to slow down the spread of the virus and to protect their communities such as social distancing and working from home initiatives. Canadians from all walks of life, including the Prime Minister himself, have shown discipline and responsible behaviour when exposed to people showing symptoms, as illustrated when his wife got diagnosed with covid-19.