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2020.03.15 06:55 GMT+8

COVID-19: Trump White House expands travel ban, France and Spain plan for lockdown

Updated 2020.03.15 06:55 GMT+8
CGTN

The Trump White House announced that the U.S. will broaden its European travel ban in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The U.K. and Ireland are being added to the list of countries not allowed to transport foreign nationals into the U.S. 

American citizens, green card holders and others allowed to return to the U.S. would be funneled to 13 airports and subjected to health screenings and quarantines, the Associated Press reports. 

And after days of reluctance, President Donald Trump said he had been tested for the coronavirus following several interactions with people who later tested positive for COVID-19. He said he is awaiting the results. 

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. It will provide paid sick leave to those impacted and fund testing for all who need it. The Senate will take up the measure in the coming days. 

In Europe, Spain followed Italy in locking down the country, in order to slow the spread of the virus.  According to a draft government order seen by the Associated Press, Spain planned to impose tight emergency restrictions on people's movement, with plans to close all schools, universities, restaurants, bars and hotels. 

France is also taking a next step to combat the spread of COVID-19, announcing plans to shut down tourist attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, and closing all restaurants, cafes, theaters and nonessential shops beginning Sunday.

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