This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51846923
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Coronavirus: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new travel restrictions on Europe in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus. | US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new travel restrictions on Europe in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus. |
| In a televised address on Wednesday, he said all travel from Europe would be suspended for the next 30 days. | In a televised address on Wednesday, he said all travel from Europe would be suspended for the next 30 days. |
| But he said the "strong but necessary" restrictions would not apply to the UK, where 460 cases of the virus have now been confirmed. | But he said the "strong but necessary" restrictions would not apply to the UK, where 460 cases of the virus have now been confirmed. |
| There are 1,135 confirmed cases of the virus across the US, with 38 deaths. | There are 1,135 confirmed cases of the virus across the US, with 38 deaths. |
| "To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States," Mr Trump said. | |
| "The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight," he added. | |
| Mr Trump also announced plans to provide billions of dollars in loans to small businesses, in an attempt to stymie the effect of the coronavirus outbreak on the US economy. | |
| He also urged Congress to pass major tax relief measures as part of an "aggressive and comprehensive effort" to combat the virus. | |
| "We are marshalling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people," he said. | |
| What is the situation in the US? | |
| Officials said the risk of infection was low for the general US public, but concern deepened after a number of new cases were confirmed earlier this month. | |
| Containment efforts have begun in earnest. Troops have been deployed to New Rochelle, just north of New York City, where one outbreak is believed to have originated. | |
| The National Guard will deliver food to some individuals who have been told to self-isolate there. | |
| The governor of Washington state has banned large gatherings in several counties. The north-western state is the focal point of the outbreak in the US, accounting for 24 of at least 38 deaths across the country. | |
| Dr Anthony Fauci, director the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Congress that "it's going to get worse", and that depended on the ability to contain those infected. | |
| High medical costs make the virus particularly problematic - many Americans avoid doctor's visits because of unaffordable charges. A lack of paid sick leave is another concern, as are fears about the number of available tests. | |
| But Vice-President Mike Pence, who is in charge of the task force co-ordinating the response to the crisis, has said that "any American can be tested, no restrictions, subject to doctor's orders", and that insurers had promised to offset the charges. |