As more countries move to close their borders, the President of the European Commission announced new guidelines on border measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus. The proposal sent to G7 partners and heads of states on March 16th, 2020, calls for a 30 day ban on non-essential travel to all 27 countries in the European Union.
Exceptions include: long term residents of the EU, family members of nationals and diplomats, the transportation of goods and legal commuters.
She also announced a temporary framework for state aid to all member states but did not provide specifics.
See her full announcement here:
The @EU_Commission presents guidelines on border measures & proposes:
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 16, 2020
1⃣Green lanes/fast lanes giving priority to essential transport to keep the mobility sector going & ensure economic continuity
2⃣Temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU (30 days) pic.twitter.com/9bda9MntF0
Just hours later, Prime Minister Prime Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will also be closing it’s borders.