Canada Restricting Entry To Country

USPA NEWS - On March 16th 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  announced that Canada will be closing  it's border to non-Canadian citizens, with the exception of permanent residents, diplomats and U.S. citizens at this time. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter the country.

In an Ottawa news conference  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged all Canadians living or traveling  abroad to come home while they still can.  Trudeau said, "If you're abroad, it's time for you to come home. If you've just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days, and finally all Canadians as much as possible, should stay home. I know this news will spark concern to Canadians who are currently out of the country. The government will support Canadians currently abroad through a program that will see them either cover the costs to get them home, or cover their basic needs while they wait to return."

Prime Minister Trudeau also announced that the Canadian Government will implement flight restrictions that will take effect on Wednesday. Flights originating in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean will be permitted to land at the scheduled Airport, however other international flights will be rerouted to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal as these airports have enhanced screening. Trudeau said," These border restrictions will not apply to commerce or trade, and that products will continue to flow in and out of the country."  The Prime Minister also indicated that there will be more measures announced as early as tomorrow.

As Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Governments work hard to take measures to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 virus, Canadians from coast to coast are scrambling to pick up the necessities needed to keep their families going through  a self isolating scenario. Many shelves are empty in the supermarkets which have led officials to ask customers  not hoard and to just purchase what they need.

Schools, Universities and Church services have been cancelled as many jurisdictions have restricted the size of public gatherings. Essential services such as some government offices, banks, gas stations, supermarkets, drug stores and hospital emergency rooms will remain open. Bottom line, officials are asking citizens to stay home as much as possible, keep an eye on neighbors and the vulnerable and be kind to others so everyone can be safe through this difficult time.