The European Union (EU) slams U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban from Europe as coronavirus cases spread in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
EU Council president Charles Michel and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemn Trump's travel ban from Europe.
"The European Union disapproves of the fact that the U.S. decision to improve a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation," they said.
Michel and von der Leyen explain that coronavirus pandemic is a "global crisis, not limited to any continent and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral action."
Von der Leyen and Michel oppose Trump's suggestion that the EU has not done enough to combat the disease.
"The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus," they said.
With Italy's nationwide shutdown and other measures, Michel emphasized that “Europe is taking all necessary measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Trump's travel restrictions
While Trump announced that all European travel would be cut off, Homeland Security officials later explained that the new rule applies only to foreign nationals who have been in Europe’s passport-free travel zone at any point for 14 days prior to landing in the U.S.
The Schengen area covers 26 countries, including EU members German, France, Greece, Austria, Italy and Belgium.
Moreover, Trump's order does not apply to the United Kingdom, where there are 460 confirmed coronavirus cases. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that Europe has more than 17,000 cases of COVID-19, and more than 700 people have died on the continent.
von der Leyen announced the launch of a “corona response investment fund” which started with 7.5 billion euros. The fund will be used to improve health care structures, small businesses, and labor markets where jobs might be affected.
According to the World Health Organization, people experiencing mild illness recover after about two weeks, while those with more serious illness may take three to six weeks to heal.
