Trump Implements Travel Restrictions After Saying "Not the Right Time"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 26th (local time), the U.S. Department of State raised its travel advisory for South Korea to Level 3. This came just four days after it was raised to Level 2 on the 22nd. This is the first time the Department of State has adjusted South Korea's travel advisory to Level 3. During a press conference that day, U.S. President Donald Trump left open the possibility of imposing travel and entry bans related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on South Korea, and the Department of State raised the advisory immediately after the press conference.
The Department of State's action, while not reaching the highest level of travel ban, represents the second-highest level, indicating a reconsideration of travel. It means refraining from unnecessary travel. With the upgrade of the travel advisory for South Korea, it is now at the same level as countries like Pakistan, Congo, and Nigeria. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had already raised its travel advisory for South Korea to the highest Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) on the 25th.
As the Department of State raises the travel advisory for South Korea, it is expected that entry into the U.S. for South Koreans will become more stringent. A South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained the Department of State's action by saying, "(The Department of State) generally refers to CDC measures," and added, "As far as we know, this is the first time for a Level 3 advisory." However, the official stated, "There will be no impact on the entry of our citizens."
During the press conference held at the White House that day, President Trump left some ambiguity when asked about travel and entry bans on South Korea and Italy. He said, "We could impose entry restrictions on South Korea and Italy at the appropriate time, but now is not the appropriate time." This indicated a stance of monitoring the situation rather than taking urgent action, with the possibility of acting if necessary.
President Trump also expressed confidence regarding concerns about the spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., stating, "We are very prepared for anything related to the coronavirus." U.S. media outlets assessed that the White House was trying to dispel public anxiety about the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. and calm the stock market plunge by denying reports of discrepancies between health authorities' responses and the White House's perception.
On the same day, President Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence as the chief official responsible for the COVID-19 response.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
