Health

Trump to keep borders with Europe closed until situation improves

Washington, Apr 27 (efe-epa).- The president of the United States said on Monday that he will keep his country’s borders closed to Europe until the situation there, which he describes as “tragic,” improves.

Donald Trump was speaking at a press conference, in which a journalist asked him when he will lift the ban that prevents travelers from Europe from entering the US.

“We’re looking at that and it depends on how long it’s taking Europe to heal. Italy is starting to make a comeback. I’m very happy to see that with my friend the prime minister,” said the US leader, referring to the head of the Italian government, Giuseppe Conte.

“It’s tragic what went on in Italy, in Spain, in France and in Germany, frankly, in every country over there. It’s tragic, but we’ll be looking at what’s happening in Europe and certainly we want to do that (lift the restrictions) and they want to do that too, very badly,” he added.

The closing of the US borders to Europe began on Mar. 14 for an initial period of 30 days that has already been extended and can be done so again as Trump deems appropriate.

This measure affects only foreign citizens, while Americans and those permanently residing in the country can theoretically continue to travel, although air traffic is mostly suspended.

In mid-April, the US president said that the opening of the borders would be done “at the right time,” but he did not want to say whether that would happen in weeks or months.

At that time he also criticized the response of European countries to the pandemic.

“I would not say that Italy is doing very well right now. I would not say that Spain is doing very well right now. And France has just extended its order of confinement,” Trump said then to justify his decision.

In the US, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are close to 1 million, while in Europe approximately 1.3 million people have been infected with the novel coronavirus. EFE-EPA

bpm/tw

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