The Ambassador Bridge . May 24, 2018. (Photo by Paul Pedro)The Ambassador Bridge . May 24, 2018. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Sarnia

Canada-U.S. border to close late Friday night

Canadian and American officials are close to finalizing an agreement to close the border to all but essential travel, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau said the border will likely close "late Friday night or early Saturday morning."

The border between communities like Windsor and Detroit, and Sarnia and Port Huron, has not shut down since September 11, 2001.

When it does close, trucks carrying goods between the two countries will still be allowed to cross. The shutdown is to limit social interactions between the two populations, not slow trade.

Health officials in Michigan report 110 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 13 in Detroit. On Thursday, Michigan also confirmed its first pandemic-related death.

Non-essential workers who have jobs in Michigan are encouraged to work from home.

The ban will not impact essential workers, like the 6,000 nurses who live in Windsor-Essex and work at hospitals in Detroit.

Trudeau first announced the temporary shutdown on Wednesday.

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