The European Union will ban the entry of most American travelers when the block reopens next week, and the United States will be deemed too risky for its recent increase in COVID-19 cases, The New York Times reports.
The exclusion of the United States from a list of countries whose citizens can join the EU comes as numerous states reported an increasing number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, and several states posted record highs in COVID diagnoses and deaths – 19.
The other countries included in the unsafe list include: Russia, Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Vatican.
The decision comes when the EU will lift its blockade on July 1.
China, where the virus is believed to have originated, will be included in the list of safe countries, according to the Times, but only if it also opens its border to EU travelers.
There will be some exceptions to the rule, as essential workers, students, diplomats and humanitarian workers will be able to enter and travel within the EU. Those who need to travel due to family emergencies will also be able to travel.
The deal between EU leaders is also not legally binding, and countries could individually choose to allow American tourists.
Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy for the United States Travel Association, called the EU decision “incredibly disappointing”.
“The EU announcement is incredibly disappointing, and a step in the wrong direction as we seek to rebuild our global economy,” said Barnes. “In the US alone, travel-related jobs account for more than a third of lost employment due to the consequences of the pandemic. Health is paramount and the public has an important role to play in adopting best practices, like wearing masks, but we are at a stage where it should be possible to move forward. “
He also warned that the EU ban could lead to “cycles of retaliation” that “would have significant negative implications for an economic recovery.”
The White House has been working to reassure Americans despite the outbreaks and held its first coronavirus task force briefing in two months on Friday. At the briefing, Vice President Pence praised states for reopening and downplayed the rising cases because they have been among the youth.
Secretary of state Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoEU to ban US travelers when borders are reopened due to spikes in COVID-19 The United States imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over tensions with Hong Kong Trump has “no final decision” on Israeli annexation plans MORE He said Wednesday that the United States is working to resume travel, acknowledging the initial announcement earlier this week that the EU planned to keep American tourists off its travel list.
“We have been working with countries around the world, including our friends in Europe and in the EU itself, to determine how we can safely reopen international travel,” Pompeo said in a briefing with journalists at the State Department. “It is important that the United States give Europeans the ability to travel back to the United States, it is important, very important that Europeans fully reconnect with the American economy as well.”
The United States has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, with more than 2.5 million cases.
Updated 6:40 pm; 10:40 pm
Lisa Conley and Alex Gangitano contributed.
.
