Trudeau urges Canadians to come home from abroad in COVID-19 announcement

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a news conference this afternoon to address the measures Canada is taking to help the spread of COVID-19.

He said that Canada is closing its borders to most people who are not citizens or permanent residents to slow the spread, but that does not apply to diplomats, aircrew members or immediate family members.

Airlines will also be required to refuse people with symptoms. Starting Wednesday only four Canadian airports will be accepting international flights. Those airports are Pearson International, Montreal Trudeau, Calgary, and Vancouver. These travel restrictions do not apply to commerce or trade.

Trudeau is also urging all Canadians abroad to come home, stating “let me be clear, if you’re abroad, it is time to come home.”

In addition, Ottawa has also pledged $10 million in additional support to Canadian businesses.