The prime minister has confirmed the Canada-U.S. border will shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to all but essential travel.
Only essential travel will be allowed to pass back and forth between the two countries, including trucks carrying goods and nurses who live in border communities and work in the U.S.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced that the Canadian and U.S. governments have agreed to immediately send back anyone who tries to cross the border illegally.
Canadians living in border communities have been anticipating the shutdown for days.
Trudeau also announced measures to increase the production of hand sanitizer, ventilators, and protective medical equipment.
BlackburnNews.com file photo of Hiram Walker. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Hiram Walker and Sons in Windsor announced Thursday it was shifting some production to make hand sanitizer for the TTC in Toronto and communities in Windsor-Essex that need it.
"Many businesses put their hand up and asked us what they can do," Trudeau said to reporters Friday morning. "Today, we are announcing a new strategy that will make it easier for companies to help out during this critical time. We are launching Canada's plan to mobilize industry to fight COVID-19."
Under the plan, companies that already make masks, gowns, ventilators, and hand sanitizer will get help to "massively scale up production."
"It will also provide support to those who want to retool their manufacturing facilities to contribute to this fight," continued Trudeau.
One of those to put up their hand was the Auto Parts Manufacturing Association.
"Our health care professionals really need support, so our government will help these companies shift production from auto parts to medical supplies," Trudeau said.
Agreements with other companies are also said to be close.
When asked how soon the medical equipment could be ready, Trudeau answered, "soon."
"Canada is home to some of the best innovators in the world, and with this new initiative, we will harness their talent and know-how to get through these challenging times," he said.
During his update to the media, Trudeau also said Service Canada had received over 500,000 applications this week for employment insurance. During the same week last year, under 27,000 claims were filed.
Trudeau said the number is unprecedented, but public servants are "working around the clock" to process the applications.
On Thursday night, California issued a mandatory order to its 40 million citizens to stay home. The state has 900 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 19 people have died.
Trudeau has insisted each day this week that his government is taking nothing off the table to protect public health and prevent the further spread of the virus.