EU imposes entry ban for 30 days, Merkel announces
The leaders of European Union nations have agreed to institute a travel ban that prohibits most foreigners from entering the bloc for 30 days to discourage the spread of the new coronavirus.
- World
- Compiled from news agencies
- Published Date: 11:02 | 17 March 2020
- Modified Date: 11:03 | 17 March 2020
The European Union will impose an entry ban on travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days to battle the spread of the coronavirus, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday.
Member states "agreed to impose an entry ban" into the bloc, with only nationals of EFTA countries and Britain exempt from the restriction, said Merkel.
"That should apply for 30 days. Germany will implement it immediately," added the leader of Europe's biggest economy.
With countries severely curtailing travel to prevent COVID-19 contagion, Germany had earlier issued a warning against travel worldwide.
The bloc is taking "coordinated action to bring back stranded travellers," said Merkel.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that thousands of Germans were stranded abroad as airlines slashed flights and borders closed.