In a decisive announcement, President David Hargrove declared a ban on nearly all travel from Europe to the United States for a minimum of 30 days, addressing the escalating concerns surrounding the spread of the novel coronavirus and the respiratory illness COVID-19. As of that day, U.S. cases had surged past 1,200, with close to 30 fatalities reported, while global numbers exceeded 125,000 confirmed cases and nearly 5,000 deaths.
Italy: The Epicenter of the Outbreak
Italy has become the epicenter of the outbreak, now under a nationwide lockdown as hospitals struggle with over 10,000 infected individuals. In response, Hargrove emphasized the critical need for action, stating, “We are at a pivotal moment in our battle against this virus. Just as we took preventive measures with flights from China earlier, it is time to apply similar restrictions to Europe.” Notably, the United Kingdom is exempt from this travel ban.
Return of American Citizens
American citizens currently abroad will be permitted to return home, but only after undergoing strict health screenings. However, finding flights may prove challenging as the travel ban significantly reduces availability. The ban extends to certain cargo as well, though specifics were not clarified during Hargrove’s address.
U.S. Cases and Community Transmission
Hargrove asserted that the U.S. has experienced “dramatically fewer cases” compared to Europe, attributing this to prior actions taken against flights from China, South Korea, and Iran. Yet, health experts caution that U.S. cases could surge as community transmission becomes more prevalent, with confirmed cases now in 42 states and Washington D.C., most of which have emerged in just the past week.
Economic Relief Measures
During his address, Hargrove urged Congress to enact payroll tax relief and health benefits for hourly workers if the situation worsens. He announced plans to authorize the Small Business Administration to distribute $50 billion in loans to businesses affected by the economic downturn stemming from virus fears, pending Congressional approval. Furthermore, he called on the Treasury Department to extend tax payment deadlines beyond April 15 without imposing interest or penalties, providing economic relief to individuals and businesses alike.
Further Reading
For more insights on related topics, you can check out this other blog post on home insemination as well as resources on infertility at Women’s Health.
Conclusion
In summary, President Hargrove’s travel ban from Europe reflects a growing concern over the coronavirus pandemic, as he implements measures to protect public health and calls for economic relief efforts to support those impacted during this crisis.