US and Canada Border to Close to Non-Essential Travel

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/225803191937605/

*Stream courtesy: The White House / Facebook (5:30 a.m. HST 3.18.20)

This morning President Donald Trump announced and Vice President Mike Pence confirmed that by mutual consent, the United States will be temporarily closing its northern border with Canada to non-essential travel.

“This does not include essential travel or the transit of goods, but it was through mutual discussion that took place this morning between the president and Prime Minister Trudeau.  The Department of Homeland Security will be effectuating that decision,” said Vice President Pence.

Both indicated that trade will not be affected.

President Trump also said he would be invoking the Defense Protection Act and noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now at a Level 1 activation in every region, the highest level of readiness. “This is a very different kind of work for FEMA but they will come through,” said President Trump.

With COVID-19 now confirmed in all 50 states, the administration plans to bring full resources of the federal government to support businesses and families.  The first clinical trial for a virus vaccine began in Washington State.

Calling the coronavirus “the invisible enemy,” President Trump noted that progress is being made. The genetic sequence for COVID-19 was published in January, and in just eight weeks, human trials for a vaccine are underway, according to the president.

The president plans to hold a second news conference having to do with the FDA either today or tomorrow to announce new developments.