[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 24th (local time), the Donald Trump administration announced a suspension of entry for travelers coming from Brazil. As the number of deaths related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States nears 100,000 and economic reopening measures are underway, the administration is taking steps to block the potential influx of the virus from Brazil.
According to U.S. media, President Trump signed an executive order banning entry for those who have stayed in Brazil for more than two weeks. This measure will take effect from midnight on the 29th. However, this executive order does not apply to U.S. citizens.
The White House spokesperson explained in a statement released that day, "Brazil has the second highest number of COVID-19 infections worldwide, with 310,000 cases, and this measure will help protect the health safety of the United States."
Earlier, Robert O'Brien, the White House National Security Advisor, had announced that the U.S. was considering travel restrictions from Brazil. In a broadcast interview that day, he said, "A decision regarding the suspension of entry for travelers arriving from Brazil to the United States will be made on Sunday (24th). We hope this is temporary, but due to the situation in Brazil, we will take all necessary measures to protect Americans."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, stirred controversy by attending a rally criticizing the legislature and judiciary. He has been criticized for ignoring the health authorities' social distancing recommendations related to COVID-19 and violating government policies mandating mask-wearing in public places.
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