President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States is suspending travel from Europe for 30 days effective this Friday as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus – now a pandemic affecting countries around the world.
The decision applies to foreign nationals of 26 European countries in the Schengen European zone, who have open border policy. The United Kingdom, which is no longer part of the European Union, is exempt from restrictions.
Those who are exempt from these restrictions, such as American citizens, will be directed to a limited number of airports where screening can take place, the White House explained in a statement.
The outbreak has tumbled nervous stock markets and sent American into buying essential supplies like masks and tissue papers in anticipation of a wider outbreak. But Trump said his administration is fully seized with the issue and would take measures to limit the outbreak.
Trump is also seeking $50 billion from Congress for the Small Business Administration in an effort to help the affected businesses.
The president’s relief package also includes deferring tax payments for businesses or individuals facing disruptions due to the novel virus.
Washington state has had the biggest number of COVID-19 patients and resultant deaths.
New York is taking a number of measures to contain the virus while several universities have turned to virtual classes to stop further spread of the virus that originated in Chinese city of Wuhan and transmitted to humans from wild animal food.
In his remarks, Trump said Europe did not act swiftly enough and noted that the United States economy and health system will allow an effective response to the outbreak in the United States.
In Europe, the virus has afflicted Italy most severely, killing more than 600 people and prompting the government to enforce a countrywide shutdown.
“This action will provide more than $200 billion of additional liquidity to the economy,” the White House said.
Ali Imran is a Washington-based journalist, who has worked for leading world news organizations as a correspondent, expert and in editorial positions. He is a published author and poet.
