The latest news on the COVID-19 global pandemic (all times Eastern):
9:49 a.m.
U.S. President Donald Trump says the Canada-U.S. border will be closed "by mutual consent" to non-essential traffic.
In a tweet, Trump says trade will not be affected and more details will be forthcoming.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to make an announcement at 10:30 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau and the head of the Bank of Canada are promising details of the federal government's economic supports to see the country through the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They're due to speak on Parliament Hill right after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears outside his home, where he's in self-isolation, to explain what the government will do for workers and businesses struck by restrictions on travel, outings and public gatherings.
Private forecasters say Canada is in for a recession as a result of the pandemic unless governments move fast and hard to reassure Canadians that the blows to their finances will be cushioned.
8:30 a.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office says he'll speak at 10:30 Eastern Time this morning to update the country on what the federal government is doing about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yesterday he said to expect imminent announcements about supports for the economy, workers and businesses hit by border shutdowns and bans on public gatherings.
Canada and the United States are also working on the terms of restricting traffic crossing between them while allowing trade and other essential trips.
8 a.m.
Canada's big banks are offering some financial breathing room to customers hurt by the steps taken to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The big six banks say they will allow customers to defer mortgage payments for up to six months among other changes.
They are urging Canadians or business owners facing hardship to contact their bank directly to discuss options that may be available.
The banks are temporarily limiting branch operating hours and reducing the number of branches, while maintaining critical services.
7:30 a.m.
Air Transat says it's starting a gradual suspension of flights until April 30 and is halting sales for departures before the same date to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The Montreal-based company says it will still operate repatriation flights for the next two weeks to bring customers back to their home country.
Air Transat says a date for a full halt to operations will be announced soon.
The Canadian Press
