European Countries on Lockdown

Europe has submitted to ‘self-isolation’. EU countries are fixed on forbidding travelers from ‘all’ foreign countries from entering the 26-state Schengen zone, for 30 days. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled a proposed ban of all non-essential inflow into the Schengen area. In a specially ordered press conference, she said healthcare systems in the EU were under massive pressure.

Today, the EU disclosed plans to ‘isolate’ itself from all foreigners, as it takes severe procedures to cease the spread of coronavirus.

Von der Leyen revealed an anticipated ban on ‘all non-essential travel by non-citizens into the 26-nation Schengen free travel area for 30 days.’ Additionally, emergency medical and food supplies into the bloc will be able to use special 'fast lanes' to guarantee medical services and stores can cope with the extremely high demand.  

Ms. von der Leyen told media: “The UK citizens are European citizens so of course there are no restrictions for the UK citizens to travel to the continent. […] Here in Europe we are heavily affected by coronavirus and we know that everything that reduces social interaction also reduces the speed of the spread of the virus.”

The President added that “The less travel, the more we can contain the virus. […] Therefore, as I have just informed our G7 partners, I propose to the heads of state and governments to introduce temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union.”

The announcement occurred as the number of deaths in Europe soared over 2,000, with 48,277 confirmed cases, throughout the continent. Globally there have been 6,648 deaths and 173,204 confirmed cases. 

By B.Alexishvili