Washington - The United States on Saturday expanded the
European coronavirus travel ban, adding Britain and Ireland to the
list, while President Donald Trump said he was tested for the virus.
"The president has made a decision to suspend all travel" to Britain
and Ireland effective at midnight on Monday (0400 GMT Tuesday), Vice
President Mike Pence said at a White House press briefing.
The action came after "a unanimous recommendation" from "all of our
health experts," Pence said, as the number of coronavirus cases surge
in those countries. In Britain, the death toll on Saturday nearly
doubled from the previous day, to 21.
"They've had a little bit of activity, unfortunately," Trump told
reporters earlier in the briefing. "If you don't have to travel, I
wouldn't do it."
The ban will apply to anyone who was physically present in Britain
and Ireland in the 14 days prior to their attempted entry to the US.
Attending meetings on Covid-19 in the White House. Working with States and local governments, many of whom have done a great job. Full report latter!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2020
Pence specified that US citizens "can come home" and will be
"funneled through specific airports and processed." They will undergo
medical screening and will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Certain visa holders, foreign diplomats and some others are also
exempt from the restrictions.
Trump on Wednesday announced a 30-day ban on most travel from Europe
that took effect Friday at midnight.
The president said on Saturday that he was considering imposing
domestic travel restrictions.
Trump also said he had been tested for the virus on Friday night and
was awaiting the results, which would take a day or two to receive.
"I had my temperature taken coming into the room," he said at the
news conference, adding that it was "perfectly normal."
Trump has had contact with several people who have tested positive
for the virus. The White House has issued conflicting statements
about testing the president, with a Friday letter from Trump's doctor
saying he would not be checked for Covid-19, the respiratory disease
caused by the new virus.
The White House has started taking the temperature of those who have
been close to Trump and Pence, including the reporters attending the
Saturday press briefing.
One journalist was denied entry after having a high temperature,
according to a tweet from Pence's press secretary Katie Miller.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov100.4 guidelines. https://t.co/E2uORqvcxS
— Katie Miller (@VPPressSec)
Trump on Friday declared a national emergency to combat the virus
outbreak, in a move that will free up some 50 billion dollars in aid
and waive a slew of regulations in the health care sector.
Private companies began working with the government to help expedite
testing, with Google developing a new website to guide people to
testing locations and other firms providing drive-by testing sites.
The US House of Representatives passed a multi-billion dollar aid
bill meant to blunt the economic fallout of the coronavirus late on
Friday. It will next head to the Senate for a vote early next week,
where it is expected to be approved and then be signed into law by
Trump.
Trump has faced increasing criticism for downplaying the virus in the
earlier days of the outbreak.
There are more than 1,620 cases of the virus and 41 deaths recorded
in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the
real number of cases is likely higher, since jurisdictions across the
country complain of a lack of testing ability.
New York state reported its first virus-related death on Saturday.
"I am saddened to report the #COVID19-related death of an 82-year-old
women (sic) in NYC who had a pre-existing respiratory disease
(emphysema)," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19-related death of an 82-year-old women in NYC who had a pre-existing respiratory disease (emphysema).
I extend my condolences to her family during this challenging time.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo)
The outbreak has spread into nearly every area of social life in the
US, with a flurry of cancellations and closures announced in recent
days, spanning Broadway theatres in New York, Disneyland in
California, and major sporting events throughout the country.