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What You Need to Know About Trump’s European Travel Ban What You Need to Know About Trump’s European Travel Ban
(7 days later)
LONDON — President Trump’s announcement of sweeping restrictions on travel from much of Europe to the United States dropped like a hammer on Wednesday.LONDON — President Trump’s announcement of sweeping restrictions on travel from much of Europe to the United States dropped like a hammer on Wednesday.
He said they were an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. But the announcement left Americans and Europeans alike confused about when the restrictions come into effect, how they will be enforced and whether they will have the intended effect of halting the spread of the coronavirus.He said they were an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. But the announcement left Americans and Europeans alike confused about when the restrictions come into effect, how they will be enforced and whether they will have the intended effect of halting the spread of the coronavirus.
[Update: Boris Johnson, U.K. Prime Minister, has the coronavirus.][Update: Boris Johnson, U.K. Prime Minister, has the coronavirus.]
Here’s what we know.Here’s what we know.
After Mr. Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office, leaving the impression that all of Europe would be subject to the travel restrictions, the government scrambled to clarify.After Mr. Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office, leaving the impression that all of Europe would be subject to the travel restrictions, the government scrambled to clarify.
Initially, officials said the restrictions applied only to people who are not U.S. citizens who in the past two weeks have been in European nations that are part of the Schengen Area — the 26 countries that generally allow free and open movement across their borders: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.Initially, officials said the restrictions applied only to people who are not U.S. citizens who in the past two weeks have been in European nations that are part of the Schengen Area — the 26 countries that generally allow free and open movement across their borders: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
But on Saturday, Mr. Trump said they would be extended to Britain and Ireland beginning on Monday. The measure also excludes nations like Croatia, Cyprus, Turkey and Ukraine.But on Saturday, Mr. Trump said they would be extended to Britain and Ireland beginning on Monday. The measure also excludes nations like Croatia, Cyprus, Turkey and Ukraine.
In his earlier address, Mr. Trump referred to a “foreign virus” and criticized European nations as having “failed to take the same precautions” as he had in limiting travel from China, where the outbreak began.In his earlier address, Mr. Trump referred to a “foreign virus” and criticized European nations as having “failed to take the same precautions” as he had in limiting travel from China, where the outbreak began.
Europe has not been a major source of known infections in the United States, but Italy has been hit hard, reporting more than 12,000 cases. France, Germany and Spain have each reported more than 2,000 cases.Europe has not been a major source of known infections in the United States, but Italy has been hit hard, reporting more than 12,000 cases. France, Germany and Spain have each reported more than 2,000 cases.
The White House said the rationale for limiting travel from the Schengen zone was because, combined, they have the most confirmed coronavirus cases outside China — 17,442 cases and 711 deaths as of Wednesday — and showed “high continuous growth in infection rates.”The White House said the rationale for limiting travel from the Schengen zone was because, combined, they have the most confirmed coronavirus cases outside China — 17,442 cases and 711 deaths as of Wednesday — and showed “high continuous growth in infection rates.”
“The free flow of people between the Schengen Area countries makes the task of managing the spread of the virus difficult,” the White House said in a statement, adding that travel “threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security.”“The free flow of people between the Schengen Area countries makes the task of managing the spread of the virus difficult,” the White House said in a statement, adding that travel “threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security.”
By midnight Friday, the new restrictions will be in full force.By midnight Friday, the new restrictions will be in full force.
But they will not apply to anyone aboard a flight to the United States that left before that time.But they will not apply to anyone aboard a flight to the United States that left before that time.
Hours after the announcement, it was still unclear how flights that operate regularly between Europe and the United States would be affected, and airlines were scrambling to create contingency plans.Hours after the announcement, it was still unclear how flights that operate regularly between Europe and the United States would be affected, and airlines were scrambling to create contingency plans.
American Airlines said that customers holding U.S. passports or Green Cards attempting to re-enter the United States from Europe would be rebooked, if necessary, to one of the approved airports. But the carrier added that any other passengers who had traveled to one of the Schengen countries within the past two weeks would not be allowed to travel to the United States on its flights.American Airlines said that customers holding U.S. passports or Green Cards attempting to re-enter the United States from Europe would be rebooked, if necessary, to one of the approved airports. But the carrier added that any other passengers who had traveled to one of the Schengen countries within the past two weeks would not be allowed to travel to the United States on its flights.
Air France said it would announce on Thursday whether it would adjust flights as a result of the restrictions. But Norwegian Airlines, a low-cost carrier with several routes between Europe and the United States, said its flights would continue as normal in the short term.Air France said it would announce on Thursday whether it would adjust flights as a result of the restrictions. But Norwegian Airlines, a low-cost carrier with several routes between Europe and the United States, said its flights would continue as normal in the short term.
Not all foreign travelers will be subjected to the travel restrictions. The spouses, parents or siblings of American citizens or permanent residents, will be exempt, as will members of the U.S. military and their spouses and children.Not all foreign travelers will be subjected to the travel restrictions. The spouses, parents or siblings of American citizens or permanent residents, will be exempt, as will members of the U.S. military and their spouses and children.
Permanent residents of the United States will not subjected to the restrictions. A full list of those who can still enter the United States can be found here.Permanent residents of the United States will not subjected to the restrictions. A full list of those who can still enter the United States can be found here.
U.S. citizens who have traveled in the specified European nations will still be able to enter the United States. But the practicalities could become increasingly complicated.U.S. citizens who have traveled in the specified European nations will still be able to enter the United States. But the practicalities could become increasingly complicated.
Mr. Trump noted in his address that American citizens who had traveled in the Schengen Area could enter the United States once they had been “appropriately screened.”Mr. Trump noted in his address that American citizens who had traveled in the Schengen Area could enter the United States once they had been “appropriately screened.”
Vice President Mike Pence said on the television show “Fox & Friends” on Thursday that Americans returning from Europe in the next 30 days would be “funneled through 13 airports” and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. He did not specify which airports.Vice President Mike Pence said on the television show “Fox & Friends” on Thursday that Americans returning from Europe in the next 30 days would be “funneled through 13 airports” and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. He did not specify which airports.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Mr. Pence said the measures would remain in place for 30 days.Mr. Pence said the measures would remain in place for 30 days.
The European Union, which seems to have been caught off guard, on Thursday slammed Mr. Trump’s decision.The European Union, which seems to have been caught off guard, on Thursday slammed Mr. Trump’s decision.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said in a scathing joint statement that the decision had been made “unilaterally and without consultation.”Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said in a scathing joint statement that the decision had been made “unilaterally and without consultation.”
It is unclear whether European officials will cooperate with the travel restrictions.It is unclear whether European officials will cooperate with the travel restrictions.
Muriel Pénicaud, the French labor minister, sought to reassure the French public, but said that the restrictions would be a blow to the transportation and export sectors.Muriel Pénicaud, the French labor minister, sought to reassure the French public, but said that the restrictions would be a blow to the transportation and export sectors.
She added, however: “It will harm the U.S., too. Trade goes both ways.”She added, however: “It will harm the U.S., too. Trade goes both ways.”
Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, France’s junior minister for transportation, said that he was not surprised by Mr. Trump’s decision but suggested that France had not received any warning.Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, France’s junior minister for transportation, said that he was not surprised by Mr. Trump’s decision but suggested that France had not received any warning.
“I know the temperament of Donald Trump, who by the way maybe reacted a bit later than some other countries, most notably European countries, on the issue,” Mr. Djebbari told reporters in Paris after a meeting with representatives from France’s transportation and travel businesses.“I know the temperament of Donald Trump, who by the way maybe reacted a bit later than some other countries, most notably European countries, on the issue,” Mr. Djebbari told reporters in Paris after a meeting with representatives from France’s transportation and travel businesses.
Travelers eager to get to the United States before the restrictions took effect described scenes of chaos and uncertainty at airports across Europe on Thursday.Travelers eager to get to the United States before the restrictions took effect described scenes of chaos and uncertainty at airports across Europe on Thursday.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, long lines began forming at dawn, some passengers resigned to waiting hours, with no guarantee of a ticket.At Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, long lines began forming at dawn, some passengers resigned to waiting hours, with no guarantee of a ticket.
A ticket agent for Delta Air Lines said that some panicked passengers had gone online in the hours after Mr. Trump’s announcement and spent tens of thousands of dollars for last-minute flights to the United States. They then tried to change them for cheaper tickets at the airport, without success.A ticket agent for Delta Air Lines said that some panicked passengers had gone online in the hours after Mr. Trump’s announcement and spent tens of thousands of dollars for last-minute flights to the United States. They then tried to change them for cheaper tickets at the airport, without success.
At the Barcelona Airport, Carlos Martinez, a 26-year-old from San Francisco, and his boyfriend struggled to find an affordable ticket home after canceling the second leg of their European trip.At the Barcelona Airport, Carlos Martinez, a 26-year-old from San Francisco, and his boyfriend struggled to find an affordable ticket home after canceling the second leg of their European trip.
“We would like some clear direction from our government as to what is the protocol here,” Mr. Martinez said in a telephone interview.“We would like some clear direction from our government as to what is the protocol here,” Mr. Martinez said in a telephone interview.
Iliana Magra contributed reporting from London, and Aurelien Breeden and Mike McIntire from Paris.Iliana Magra contributed reporting from London, and Aurelien Breeden and Mike McIntire from Paris.