Following the WHO declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday suspension of all travel from 26 European countries to the United States for the next 30 days, in an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
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.
…he said in an an address to the Nation regarding the US response to the COVID-19, Wednesday.
In his speech, Trump criticized Europe for “failing to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hotspots“.
He therefore announced suspension of all travel from Europe to the US for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight.
These restrictions will be adjusted. The travel order does not apply to the UK and Ireland, and does not apply to American citizens.
At the same time, we are monitoring the situation in China and in South Korea. And, as their situation improves, we will reevaluate the restrictions and warnings that are currently in place for a possible early opening,
…he stated.
He also informed of several other measures the US has taken to contain the impacts of coronavirus.
Firstly, the US President said he met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all copayments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.
We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make antiviral therapies available in record time. These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus.
Additionally, last week, he signed into law an $8.3 billion funding bill to help CDC and other government agencies fight the virus and support vaccines, treatments, and distribution of medical supplies.
Testing and testing capabilities are expanding rapidly, day by day. We are moving very quickly.
Concluding, he emphasized that young and healthy people can expect to recover fully and quickly if they should get the virus and reiterated the risk for elderly population.
