The US president took the unprecedented step as the US blocks flights from nearly the whole of Europe into the United States for next 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States will restrict entry to those from 26 countries in Europe, not including the UK and Ireland, for 30 days, as cases in the US reach over 1,200 with at least 37 deaths.
Trump made the announcement as he delivered an Oval Office address on the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday; amid fears that COVID-19 could take the lives of as many five million Americans, according to WHO forecasts.
The President said the European Union “failed to take the same precautions” as the US before announcing their own travel restrictions. The restricitions to the US will be going into effect on Friday at 12am.
Trump said that the UK is an exemption to this travel ban, but there was some confusion as the Department of Homeland Security later said that it was only countries in the Schengen area of free movement that would be barred, therefore meaning Ireland was also exempt.
The president went on to say:
“These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground,”
The DHS issued a second briefing on Wednesday that warned US citizens against all travel out of the country.
In its Global Level 3 Health Advisory, the DHS said: “Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit taveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions.”
“Even countries, jurisdictions or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.”
British and Irish travelers as well as American citizens who have undergone certain screenings will be exempt from the travel restrictions, along with cargo.
Our Previous articles on Coronavirus:
UK schools could ‘close for month’ from next Friday
Fatalities in Italy rise to 631, with 10,000 people infected with COVID-19
East London firm looking for COVID-19 vaccine test subjects
Fourth UK coronavirus death confirmed in Wolverhampton
180 Soldiers reportedly dead in North Korea due to COVID-19
HSBC evacuates Canary Wharf office because of coronavirus
Sick pay from day one for Brits who self-isolate over coronavirus
Serious crimes may be exclusive focus of police if COVID-19 spreads
‘Widespread transmission’ of the coronavirus more likely in the UK
Pope Francis cancels event as he’s taken ill amid Italy coronavirus crisis
Did a science fiction novel predict Coronavirus in the 80s?
Northern Italy travellers must self-isolate due to Coronavirus
Seven Coronavirus deaths in Italy
25 Schools in the UK closing/sending people home amid Coronavirus fears
