The Canadian government has banned all foreigners from entering the country.

Exceptions are being made for permanent residents, U.S. citizens, diplomats, crew and immediate family members of citizens.

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Starting Wednesday, only four Canadian airports will have incoming international flights, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

The prime minister also said no one who is displaying symptoms will be permitted to board a flight to Canada, and that air operators will be required to complete a basic health assessment of every passenger based on guidelines.

"These measures are far-reaching," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"These measures will help save lives."

Trudeau, however, couldn't explain why U.S. citizens are still being allowed to enter Canada, even though, as of Monday, there were 4,165 COVID-19 cases and 72 deaths in that country.

"I know this news will spark concern among Canadians travelling abroad. I want to assure you that our government will not leave you unsupported," he said.

"To help asymptomatic Canadians to return home, our government will set up a support program for Canadians who need to get on a plane.

"Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada."

There are three new deaths from coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., as well as 30 new cases.

All three deaths are residents at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, where an elderly man recently died from the coronavirus.

The total number of cases of the virus in the province is now 103.

Six of the current cases are now in hospital in acute care, while five have fully recovered.

Canada now has a total of 406 cases (up 65 from yesterday) including four deaths (up three from yesterday).

As of Monday morning, 175,817 people around the world have been infected with COVID-19, most of whom are in China.

There has been 6,717 deaths reported and 77,871 cases have fully recovered.

Countries outside of China that have been hit the worst include Iran, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Germany and France.