UNDATED (AP) – President Trump is banning most Europeans from entering the United States for 30 days to try to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
The ban announced Wednesday night will begin at midnight Friday.
Americans returning from Europe will be subject to enhanced health screening. The new travel ban is likely to further roil the airline industry as bookings decline and people cancel reservations out of fear they might contract the virus.
Trump said he made the decision to impose the ban after talking with top government health professionals. The restriction is one of many imposed around the world as the virus has spread.
Watch the full announcement below:
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2020
The European Union says it will assess President Donald Trump’s decision to restrict travel from Europe to the United States amid deep concern over the move’s economic impact, with markets already heavily hit by the new virus. European Council President Charles Michel said in a tweet Thursday that the EU will evaluate the situation, and that economic disruption must be avoided.
