OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be allowed entry into the country as COVID-19 continues to spread.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government is taking “increasingly aggressive steps to keep Canadians safe” by denying entry to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with some exceptions, including diplomats, air crews, and immediate family of citizens, and U.S. citizens.

The prime minister cites the close relationship between Canada and the U.S. for the reason behind the exception for U.S. citizens.

In an historical move that he hopes will change the trajectory of COVID-19, @JustinTrudeau closes Canadian borders to all but Can citizens, PR’s and US citizens. Exceptions can also be made for flight crews and trade/commerce workers. pic.twitter.com/jYnqg2PK34

— Ash Kelly (@AshDKelly) March 16, 2020

There will also be new travel restrictions, with only four airports — Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver — accepting international flights. And anyone who shows symptoms of coronavirus will not be able to return to Canada, added Trudeau. An assistance program is being developed for travellers needing to come home.

“Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home, or temporarily covering their basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada,” he said.

Trudeau reiterated the need for Canadians abroad to return home and self-isolate for 14 days.

“We are prepared to see Canadians through this time,” @JustinTrudeau adds. He notes diff provinces/territories are facing different issues.

— Hana Mae Nassar (@HanaMaeNassar) March 16, 2020

“Let me be clear, if you are abroad at this time, you must come home,” he said.

The new travel restrictions will not apply to commerce or trade to ensure the supply of goods to Canada. Trudeau says G-7 partners have been informed of the new restrictions.

“I know that these measures are far-reaching. They are exceptional circumstances calling for exceptional measures,” Trudeau explained.

He said new measures to help Canadians through the pandemic will be announced as early as tomorrow,

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Patty Hajdu said it is too early to tell if Canada is flattening the curve of the coronavirus spread.

Hajdu says too early to tell if we’re flattening the curve, but adds measures taken have shown signs of success. Notes this is the ‘critical’ phase. Social isolation key. Stay home as much as you can. Cancel events w/more than 50 people, work from home if you can. #cdnpoli

— Hana Mae Nassar (@HanaMaeNassar) March 16, 2020

She urged people to stay home as much as they can during this time while asking people not to buy more than they need for a two-week period.

“I know that many people are worried about running out of food and other essential supplies. Please know that we are not running out of any food or other supplies,” she said.

There have been at least 25,000 coronavirus tests in Canada with nearly 400 cases across the country. Three more deaths were recorded in B.C. along with 30 more cases of the virus.