(Courtesy: Justin Trudeau, Twitter) 

The Canadian government says the Canada-U.S. border will be closed to all non-essential travel in both directions on Friday night.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will take "weeks to months" for social-distancing measures in his country to be lifted.

Both the U.S. and Canada 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 U.S. for 75% of its exports and about 18% of American exports go to Canada.

Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S.

 

ORIGINAL STORY: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is closing his country's borders to anyone not a citizen or a permanent resident amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Trudeau announced the move Monday outside his residence, where is self isolating after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Trudeau did say though that borders will remain open to Americans, for now. 

Meanwhile, leaders of the Group of Seven have participated in a video teleconference to coordinate responses to the coronavirus after some European leaders were upset by President Trump's decision last week to impose a travel ban without consulting them.

The G-7 leaders of Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, the United States and France met Monday.

Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow acknowledged sometimes testy relations between the allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he thinks unilateral decisions taken by countries across the globe are counterproductive to fight the outbreak.

"We will coordinate research efforts on a vaccine and treatments, and work on economic and financial response," Macron tweeted.

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