The travel rules related to coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing day to day and sometimes hour by hour. Here are some of the latest restrictions and cancellations as of noon, Saturday, March 14th.
Department of Homeland Security Releases Travel Restriction Charts
Here are the latest travel restriction charts released by the Department of Homeland Security:
European Travel Ban Will Extend To Ireland and the UK
On Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence also announced all travel from the United Kingdom and Ireland has been suspended for certain foreign nationals, effective midnight on Monday. This will not apply to US citizens.
The same exclusions that are a part of the already existing European travel restrictions will also apply to the UK and Ireland.
Some Domestic Travel Restrictions Under Consideration
President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said today that the administration is considering some domestic travel restrictions, specifically with regards to certain areas hard hit with the coronavirus.
Trump did not provide any specifics or a possible timeframe.
“We’re working with the states, and we’re considering other restrictions,” Trump told reporters during a White House news briefing without providing any specifics or a possible timeframe.
“We are considering a broad range of measures,” Pence added during the briefing.
Possible travel restrictions may include Washington state and other destinations that are considered coronavirus “hot spots”.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Suspending All Sailings At Midnight
Royal Caribbean Cruises will suspend all sailing globally at midnight tonight. All current sailings will end as scheduled. Service is expected to resume on April 11, 2020. Canada may ban large cruise ships which may affect Alaska cruises.
Check with your cruise line for their cancellation policies. Some cruise lines are offering a 100% refund or vouchers for future travel at up to 150% of the fare paid.
Royal Caribbean Cruises joins these other cruise lines that have announced cancellations:
- Disney
- Viking
- Princess
- Carnival
- Celebrity
- MSC
France To Close All Restaurants, Cafes and Cinemas
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Saturday that France will increase social distancing to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a televised press conference, Philippe said: “that starting at midnight Saturday all places that are not essential to French living, including restaurants, cafes, cinemas and clubs, will be closed”.
The closure order includes all businesses except those that are essential.
“Markets and food shops, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, newspaper and tobacco stores will remain open,” Philippe said. “Places of worships will remain open, but religious ceremonies and gatherings will be postponed.”
Philippe acknowledged that the French people find the concept of social distancing repugnant, “because we are a people that likes to gather, a joyful people, a people that likes to live together… Maybe even more when fear starts to spread.”
“We have seen too many people in cafes and restaurants. In usual times, this would make me happy. Because this is the France we all love. But for a few weeks, this is not what we should be doing,” Philippe added.
