Topic: Border Closure

Queensland, Australia, maintains some of the world's strictest COVID-19 restrictions, including an "iron curtain" border policy that prevents even its own residents from entering by land. Despite having only seven total deaths and very few active cases, the state enforces strict mask mandates for everyone over age 12. These policies remain popular with a segment of the population despite their economic and social impact.

During his North Carolina speech, Donald Trump criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci's changing stance on masks and the origins of COVID-19. Trump highlighted his early decision to close borders to China, which was initially labeled as xenophobic by Democrats like Nancy Pelosi. He characterized Fauci as a "great promoter" but a poor doctor who was wrong on most major issues.

Canada has reported nearly 200 cases of COVID-19, leading Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to enter self-isolation after his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive. The federal government has advised against non-essential international travel and restricted international flights to specific airports, though Trudeau has resisted closing the border entirely, claiming viruses do not respect borders. The Canadian Parliament has suspended sessions until late April to prevent further spread among officials.