EU closes borders, only one new infection case in Wuhan

(Patria) – EU leaders have reached an agreement to close the European Union's borders for 30 days as they battle the deadly coronavirus.

European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said the proposal 'received strong support from member states. Now they need to implement it. They say they will do so immediately.'

At a press conference on Tuesday evening, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, said that 152 countries are affected by the COVID-19 virus, creating a new reality for millions of people worldwide.

- Europe is the epicenter of the first coronavirus pandemic, and every country without exception must take the strongest measures to slow the spread of the virus. Such measures must include community action. Thinking in terms of 'it doesn't concern me' is not an option, Kluge emphasized.

Italy is now third in the world in terms of the number of deaths; Rome registered another 345 deaths on Tuesday, bringing the total to 2,500.

The total number of deaths from the coronavirus worldwide is around 7,800.

Italy's civil protection agency forecasts another 3,500 new infection cases and announces that intensive care beds are ready in Bergamo, which is the hardest hit in Lombardy.

France has been closed since Tuesday, as has Spain.

In the United Kingdom, 400 new cases appeared in just 24 hours. Britons are being urged to maintain social distance and not visit bars, clubs, and restaurants, as they remain open, as do schools. Prime Minister Johnson appeals to the elderly not to go out for the next three months.

The United Kingdom has announced around 360 billion pounds in credit facilities for private businesses to protect them from collapse due to the pandemic. Spain has done similarly with 200 billion euros in loans.

Meanwhile, experimental vaccines are being tested in the US, but experts warn it will take about 18 months for approval.

Worldwide, a total of about 195,000 people have been infected, and 7,800 have died.

The World Health Organization appeals for the need for testing to prevent the spread of infection, as the coronavirus spreads most before symptoms appear.

The Chinese city of Wuhan reported only one new infection case on Tuesday, according to Euronews.