Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will be closing its borders to those who are not citizens or permanent residents in efforts to combat COVID-19.
This move will not affect diplomats, air crews or US citizens and the border closure will not apply to trade or commerce.
The federal government is also giving authorization for air carriers to screen passengers with symptoms of the novel virus so they do not board planes.
Trudeau says the country is taking aggressive steps to keep everyone safe.
This morning, Government House Leader, Jason Nixon issued the governments plans to address the immideate health needs of Albertans.
"This situation around the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating and ever-changing," said Nixon. "We need to ensure funding is available for the front-line heath-care workers whose presence will be critical in treating Albertans who become seriously ill as we also call on Albertans to reduce transmission and help flatten the curve of the virus's progression, to spread those cases and the burden on the heath system over a longer time."
The government will give notice of several motions that will expedite the passing of Budget 2020, Bills 5 and 6. Evening sittings are said to take place in hopes of fast-tracking these important pieces of legislation.
"These motions will give us the adaptability to ensure our government is able to provide money for care where it is most needed by allowing for an additional $500 million in spending for front-line health-care support," said Tyler Shandro, minister of health.
