New guidelines have been introduced.
The European Commission is imposing updated guidelines and procedures on border measures in response to the spread of Covid-19.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the new measures on Monday afternoon (16 March), noting that the collective healthcare system across the world is under “huge pressure”.
“Member states have taken strong measures to slow down the spread of the virus,” said von der Leyen.
“These measures are effective only when they are co-ordinated. This is why we present today guidelines on border measures.”
The two-part process aims to protect people from the spread of Covid-19 while simultaneously maintaining the flow of goods and economic continuity.
Green/Fast lanes will be introduced, giving priority to essential transport for medical and perishable items, notably food and emergency services.
In a bid to reduce pressure on healthcare systems, the European Commission is underlining the urgent need for individuals to reduce social action.
“The less travel, the more we can contain the virus,” said von der Leyen.
“Therefore, as I have informed our G7 partners, I propose to the heads of state and government to introduce temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the European Union.
“These travel restrictions should be in place for an initial period of 30 days which can be prolonged as necessary.”
The manoeuvre comes with exemptions that apply to long-term residents in the EU, diplomats and family members of EU nationals.
“Essential staff such as doctors, nurses, care workers, researchers and experts that help address the coronavirus should continue to be allowed in the European Union,” von der Leyen added.
People transporting goods are also exempt due to continuation of the supply of goods to the European Union, as are frontier workers who legally commute across the border from neighbouring countries.
The @EU_Commission presents guidelines on border measures & proposes:
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
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 16, 2020
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