Canada and the U.S. are reportedly gearing up to close the border between them to all non-essential travel in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 across North America.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to officially announce the news within the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to multiple sources, including CNN, the Canada-U.S. border will remain open to trade and commerce, but will be closed to non-essential travel like tourists and shoppers.

The agreement is not yet finalized.

The US & Canada are preparing to issue a joint statement in the next 24-48 hours to suspend non-essential travel between the two countries, an administration official tells me.
The restrictions will ensure trade & business between the two countries can continue. 1/2

— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) March 18, 2020

On Monday, Trudeau announced that Canada would close its borders to almost all non-residents and limit international flights to just four airports to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The United States was the notable exception.

Deputy Prime Minister Chyrstia Freeland called the border a "lifeline" for many people.

"Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day," Freeland said. "It is a unique relationship for Canada, and it’s important for us in handling our situation on the border to be sure that we act to get things right.”