Washington DC. March 18: President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the closure of the US-Canada border to non-essential travelers as the coronavirus epidemic intensified in both countries -- but said that trade would not be impacted. The shutdown built on Trump's barring of visitors from most of Europe, China and other parts of the world, as the number of confirmed virus cases in the US surged past 6,500, with 115 deaths. Coronavirus Outbreak: Cases in US Rise Fivefold in One Week, Over 5,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Positive.

"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" Trump tweeted. Canada's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also expected to make an announcement on the issue, without providing specifics. Coronavirus Outbreak: Global Virus Infections Top 200,000, Number of Deaths Cross 8,000 as Nations Tighten Clampdowns.

"What the prime minister is going to announce will reassure people," he said in an interview with public broadcaster Radio-Canada. Champagne promised new measures "proposed by both sides," noting that hundreds of thousands of people cross the border every day.

On Monday, Trudeau announced that Canada was closing its borders to foreign travelers with the notable exception of Americans -- a position that drew criticism in Canada. As of Wednesday morning, Canada had around 600 confirmed coronavirus cases and eight deaths.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 18, 2020 11:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).