Pandemic panic spreads around globe

Source:AFP Published: 2020/3/17 18:38:40

Economic pain continues worldwide as Europe’s borders close


French President Emmanuel Macron is seen on a television screen as he speaks during a televised address to the nation on the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus on Monday in Paris. Photo: AFP

European leaders planned to ban all non-essential travel to the continent on Tuesday, the latest drastic attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic that has upended society, battered markets and killed thousands around the world.

With French President Emmanuel Macron describing the battle against COVID-19 as a "war," governments around the world are imposing restrictions rarely seen in peacetime, slamming borders shut and forcing citizens to stay home.

The crisis is infecting every sector of the economy and Wall Street stocks on Monday sank more than 12 percent in the worst session since the crash of 1987, despite emergency interventions by ­central banks and governments to shore up confidence.

After the initial outbreak in Wuhan in December, Europe has emerged as the epicenter of the virus with more deaths now recorded outside China than inside.

Italy - Europe's hardest-hit nation - announced another surge in deaths, taking its overall toll to more than 2,000, in a worldwide total of more than 7,000.

More than 175,530 cases have been recorded in 145 countries and regions.

In a somber address to the nation, Macron ordered French people to stay at home for 15 days starting mid-day Tuesday, banning all non-essential trips or social contacts and warning violations will be "punished."

With European nations already closing their borders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would ask the leaders of the bloc's Schengen visa-free border zone to stop all non-essential travel into the area.

"Concretely, all trips between non-European countries and EU countries will be suspended for 30 days," Macron said in his address.

This follows a ban on inbound ­travel to the US, whose President Donald Trump steeled the nation for a fight against the virus that he warned could last months.

US health officials said the first human trial to evaluate a possible vaccine had begun, although it may be another year to 18 months before it becomes available.

In another small glimmer of hope, China reported just one new domestic case on Tuesday - but found 20 imported from abroad.

Trump said he was asking Americans to restrict gatherings to groups of fewer than 10 people - as the streets of New York and the capital Washington stood largely deserted.

Trump acknowledged the US "may be" heading into a recession due to the virus, as G7 leaders vowed to coordinate their response to the virus and "do whatever it takes, using all policy tools" - after a meeting held via video conference.

Every sector from tourism to food to aviation is affected, as the global economy effectively goes into shutdown.

Posted in: EUROPE,AMERICAS

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