Canada-U.S. border closure extended 30 days PM confirms

It's a frontline to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. Canada and the U.S. have agreed to close their border for 30 more days. But as Caryn Ceolin reports, it could be shut down for even longer.

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OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed Canada has extended its border closure with the United States for 30 days.

The closure continues to restrict non-essential travel across the border.

“This is an important decision, and one that will keep people on both sides of the border safe,” he says.

The border was originally closed on March 21, with the arrangement set to expire on Tuesday.

Trudeau added that despite the warmer weather and optimistic headlines, Canadians should not let up.

“Because if we do, we could lose the progress that we’ve made,” he says.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the border could open soon, but Trudeau and other Canadian political leaders did not strike the same tone in comments.

The U.S. has the most COVID-19 cases in the world, with more than 700,000 positive tests. Canada has more than 32,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The Prime Ministers’ confirmation Saturday also comes a day after a senior government source has confirmed the neighbouring counties had reached a tentative agreement to extend border restrictions.

Trudeau also continues to reiterate health expert’s advice and says you may start to see new ads reminding you to stay home and “save lives.”

These ads will feature astronaut Chris Hadfield, women’s hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser and Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer.

“So stay at home. Limit your trips to the grocery store for less than once a week, if you do go out, keep two meters distance from each other. And as you do your part, know that we’re here to support you.”

-With files from the Canadian Press and Cormac McSweeney

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