COVID-19: US bans all travel from Europe

President Donald Trump has announced that the USA will ban all travel from Europe to the USA for 30 days, in the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern US history.

The ban, effective at midnight on Friday, applies to anyone who has been in the EU’s Schengen border-free area within 14 days prior to their arrival in the US. It does not include the United Kingdom.

There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings. “The European Union failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hotspots. As a result a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travellers from Europe. After consulting with our top government health professionals, I have decided to take several strong but necessary actions to protect the health and wellbeing of all Americans,” President Trump said. “To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect on Friday at midnight.”

The restrictions will not only apply to people, trade and cargo, but various “other things” coming from Europe as well.

“For the vast majority of Americans the risk is very, very low. Young and healthy people can expect to recover fully and quickly if they should get the virus. 

The highest risk is for the elderly population with underlying health conditions. 

The elderly population must be very, very careful. In particular we are strongly advising that nursing homes for the elderly suspend all medically unnecessary visits. In general older Americans should also avoid non-essential travel in crowded areas,” added President Trump. “Smart action today, will prevent the spread of the virus tomorrow.”

President Trump said the US is also monitoring the situation in China and South Korea and as their situations improve the US will re-evaluate the restrictions and warnings that are currently in place for a possible early opening.

“For all Americans is essential that everyone take extra precautions and practice good hygiene. Each of us has a role to play in defeating this virus. Wash your hands, clean often used services, cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough, and most of all if you are sick or not feeling well, stay home!” Trump added.