Coronavirus: Canada closes borders to non-citizens and non-residents

American citizens still allowed to travel into country despite growing number of US cases in thousands

Canada is closing its borders to people who are not citizens or permanent residents in the country in efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

American citizens are exempt from the order.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also has announced that people showing Covid-19 symptoms will not be able to board Canada-bound planes.

He told reporters on Monday: "We can still slow the spread of this virus ... It is time to take every precaution to keep people safe."

To Canadians abroad, he said: "It's time to come home."

The travel restriction will not apply to flight crews, diplomats, immediate family members of citizens and, for now, US citizens.

As of Monday, confirmed cases of the virus in Canada have reached nearly 400 with no reported deaths.

Reporters pressed the prime minister to explain why Americans are exempt from the travel restrictions as the number of cases below the border has surged to nearly 4,000, including at least 71 deaths.

Mr Trudeau suggested that the rule could change: "Everything is on the table to protect Canadians."

The prime minister addressed reporters while in self-isolation, which he imposed on Thursday following his wife Sophie's positive diagnosis of the virus.

He said: "I know that these measures are far-reaching. They are exceptional circumstances calling for exceptional measures."

The border restrictions — which follow calls from provincial governments for a more aggressive federal response — will not apply to commerce or trade.

Last week, Parliament suspended sitting for five weeks after liberals unveiled a $1bn relief package to address Canada's health and economy, in addition to billions of dollars to support businesses that expect negative impacts in the wake of the pandemic.