The Canadian government said Thursday the Canada-US border will be closed to all non-essential travel in both directions on Friday night. It was also announced that Service Canada would be suspending passport services until further notice, unless reasons are urgent.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said it will take “weeks to months” for social-distancing measures in his country to be lifted amid the pandemic.

Both countries have been in talks in recent days to negotiate a mutual halt to tourism and family visits but leaving the flow of trade intact. Canada relies on the US for 75 percent of its exports and about 18 percent of American exports go to Canada.

Essential cross-border workers like health-care professionals, airline crews and truck drivers will be permitted to cross, but not for “recreational purposes,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. “If you have an important, essential reason to cross the border you can continue to do that.”

Freeland emphasized truck drivers are critical as they supply grocery stores and medical goods in both directions. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the US.

Now this might seem just a touch confusing to Canadians who are returning, or being repatriated, from the US, Caribbean or other destinations.  Will this be a version of Terminal – the Tom Hanks film where he lives at the airport after being denied entry into the country he originated from or flew to.  Will we have Canadians at airports and Border Crossings wandering aimlessly and reliant upon the generosity of others.  I think not.  But let’s get some details folks.

The flow of travellers on the northern border, the world’s longest between two nations, has been relatively open. Freeland said crossings can continue in border communities like Campobello, New Brunswick or Port Roberts, British Columbia.

Trudeau said his government is following the advice of health experts and won’t lift restrictions on public activities and movements in Canada until it is safe to do so.

Trudeau made his comments in front of his residence where he is self-isolating after his wife tested positive for the virus. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is also self-isolating at home and is being tested for the virus after experiencing flu-like symptoms after travelling. He said he expects the results of his test very shortly.

Passports

Canadians will only be able to obtain or renew passports if they need to travel for urgent reasons.

This includes serious illness, the death of friend or family member, humanitarian work or would otherwise lose a job or business.

Service Canada says anyone who does not meet the criteria for urgent travel – or is experiencing symptoms such as a fever, coughing, having trouble breathing – will have to wait, as would anyone who is in self-isolation.

Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says that with travel restrictions in place, Service Canada needs to focus on assisting Canadians with issues that are currently the most critical.

Editor’s note:  I shall be crossing the border (or attempting to) at Buffalo on Friday.  Will keep you posted.