Washington (People's Daily) - US President Trump on Wednesday announced that the US and Canada are closing their shared border to non-essential traffic as part of the effort to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

In this file photo US President Donald Trump speaks about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) alongside members of the Coronavirus Task Force in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, March 9, 2020.(Photo: AFP)

"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic," Trump tweeted. "Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!"

According to AP, the US and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel.

Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also eager to continue their critical economic relationship. Canada relies on the US for 75% of its exports.

Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the US and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada's food supply comes from or via the US, and and 98% of its oil exports go to the US.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he would close the country’s borders to anyone not a citizen, an American or a permanent resident — and even they have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival — due to the coronavirus pandemic.