(VOVWORLD) -The exponential spread of the novel coronavirus has forced many countries to take tough countermeasures, including unprecedented adjustments of foreign policy.
 Passengers flying to the US undergo body temperature check at Incheon International Airport, South Korea (Photo: Yonhap/VNA) |
The Covid-19 pandemic has spread to 180 countries and territories, with more than 245,000 people infected and more than 10,000 deaths so far. Italy and Iran are now the hardest hit. With the pandemic affecting every aspect of life, many countries have banned large gatherings, locked down residential areas, cancelled cultural and sports activities, and closed schools. Travel and trade restrictions never seen before have been imposed: closed borders, banned entry, suspended flights, and restricted export of medical equipment.
Border closures
The European Union has closed all Schengen borders for at least 30 days, beginning Tuesday. The US and Canada have agreed to shut down their shared border to slow the Covid-19 pandemic. Russia has closed its border until May 1.
On Wednesday Australia announced a ban on foreigners entering the country beginning Friday evening. On Tuesday Chinese Taiwan authorities announced a similar measure. Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Tunisia, and Sudan have completely closed their land borders, and many other countries have enacted partial closures since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic last Friday.
Flight suspensions, restrictions on medical equipment exports
US President Donald Trump’s European travel ban has been one of the most controversial decisions made during this coronavirus outbreak. Last Wednesday, President Trump announced a 30-day suspension of all flights from mainland Europe to the US, triggering a backlash from US allies and partners in Europe.
Dozens of countries have imposed bans or restrictions on travel from epidemic hot spots like Wuhan, China and Daegu, South Korea. Japan’s restriction on travel from South Korea drew widespread criticism from South Koreans, worsening already chilly relations between the two countries.
Restrictions on travel and medical equipment exports have come at an economic and international relations cost.
Officials say foreign policy adjustments are necessary to fight the global pandemic, but these moves are hurting global cooperation, which is a key to preventing the Covid-19 pandemic from growing worse.