The United States on Wednesday (local time) announced that it is suspending all travel from European countries except the United Kingdom for the next 30 days as coronavirus has claimed 37 lives and infected 1,200 in the US.
In an address to the nation, President Donald Trump said that the European Union (EU) has failed to take precautions to restrict travel from China and other hotspots.
“We will be suspending all travel from Europe, except the United Kingdom, for the next 30 days. The policy goes into effect Friday at midnight,” Trump said.
We will be suspending all travel from Europe, except the United Kingdom, for the next 30 days. The policy goes into effect Friday at midnight. pic.twitter.com/Yeq1gVCIln
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 12, 2020
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Coronavirus, which originated from China, has spread to most parts of the world including Italy, the United Kingdom and France. Italy has recorded the maximum number of deaths from coronavirus — over 800 — besides China.
“America is responding against coronavirus with great speed and professionalism. EU failed to take the same precautions to restrict travel from China and other hotspots,” Trump said.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The deadly virus has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories.
(With inputs from ANI)