China appears to have overcome its coronavirus crisis but western countries and other Asian nations are engaged in an early battle against the CoVID-19 strain that now recorded more confirmed cases outside the origin country.
European Commission Mulls Closure of Borders
The European Commission revealed Tuesday that it is planning to ban all non-essential travel around the Schengen free-travel zone amid ongoing closures in some borders across the region.
According to BBC, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained on Tuesday that with less travel activities around the European Union, there are more chances of containing the CoVID-19 strain.
In a video conference, von der Leyen clarified that all travels between EU countries and even non-member countries will be suspended for at least a month.
Germany and Spain Move to Contain Virus
On Monday, Germany announced restrictions on the public as multiple establishments were shut down amid the coronavirus crisis.
Museums, theaters, discos, clubs, concert halls, and other establishments that gather a lot of people have been asked to shut down as the country battles with the CoVID-19 strain, CNN reported.
The Spanish Health Ministry said on Monday that coronavirus cases surged by 1,400 overnight, prompting the government to announce a partial lockdown on the country.
Spain now has a total of 9,190 confirmed cases and 309 deaths. The country is only second to Italy in the biggest outbreaks in the European Union. Borders were shut down immediately on Monday, except for workers, residents, and nationals who were required to cross the borders.
UK Changes Course Following Increased Criticism
On Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to stay at home and avoid "non-essential contact with others." He also asked them to stop travel that does not have a necessary reason.
Johnson further announced that any household with someone displaying signs of sickness will have to stay inside the home for at least two weeks.
The change in Johnson's tone came after multiple health experts, politicians, and the masses criticized his government's handling of the coronavirus crisis in the United Kingdom. Some people were confused with the briefings provided for public restrictions.
Some officials also contradicted what Johnson ordered last week, which is for people with coronavirus to self-quarantine for seven days.
France Tightens Lockdown
French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that people in the country should stay inside their homes for up to 15 days amid the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.
In a broadcasting from the Elysee Palace in Paris, Macron said the move was to prevent further infections among French nationals and residents. "We are in a health war," Macron said, as reported by CNBC.
As with other nations that already deployed military and police forces to ensure that new measures will be followed, Macron said violators will be punished as necessary.
Greece will Quarantine All Overseas Arrivals
Greece announced on Monday that everyone arriving to the country from abroad will be quarantined for two weeks, as part of the efforts to prevent infections from overseas.
Furthermore, the country shuttered restaurants, playgrounds, bars, gyms, and other establishments as part of the Greek government's containment and preventive measures. Mass gatherings have also been suspended.
Greece currently has 331 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and the country will start closing down retail stores by Wednesday in efforts to prevent panic-buying incidents.
