Trudeau to close Canada's border to non-citizens, excluding Americans

OTTAWA, Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is closing his country's borders to non-citizens or permanent residents amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Trudeau announced the move Monday outside his residence, where he is self-isolating after his wife tested positive for COVID-19, the illness associated with the virus.

Trudeau said U.S. citizens, immediate family members, diplomats and air crews are exempt from the restrictions at this time. However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 will not be able to enter Canada, CTV News reports.

Trudeau also asked Canadians to say home as much as possible amid the pandemic.

Trudeau says his government will restrict flights to Canada to airports in four major cities. Canada is mandating air carriers to screen passengers with symptoms of the virus out of lines so they don't board planes home.

He said the country is taking "increasingly aggressive steps'' to keep everyone safe.