A temporary ban on non-essential travel to the EU has been proposed by the European Commission.
The recommendation to restrict travel from outside the bloc for 30 days was issued by the President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen today.
The announcement comes as the world grapples to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Globally, more than 169,000 people are infected with the new coronavirus and over 6,500 have died.
The border closure would cover 30 countries, with essential staff and people transporting goods exempt from the ban.
President von der Leyen said: “Our measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak will be effective only if we coordinate on the European level.
"We have to take exceptional measures to protect the health of our citizens.
"But let's make sure goods and essential services continue to flow in our internal market. This is the only way to prevent shortages of medical equipment or food."
She added: "It's not only an economic issue: our single market is a key instrument of European solidarity. I am in discussion with all Member States so that we confront this challenge together, as a Union.”
Main image: EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen speaking at a press conference. Photo: EU Commission
