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EU calls emergency talks on new coronavirus
BRUSSELS, Feb 10, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The European Union will host an
extraordinary meeting of health ministers on Thursday, along with a WHO
envoy, to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak.
So far, only around 30 cases of the new strain have been detected in
Europe, but the World Health Organisation warns that cases outside China
could accelerate.
“Now is the time to join forces to stop this epidemic,” said European
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic.
The EU ministers discuss ways to prevent the virus’ spread and “adopt
conclusions in relation to the EU response to the novel coronavirus
outbreak”.
Last week, German health minister Jens Spahn suggested at a meeting with
his French counterpart Agnes Buzyn that Europe impose restrictions on
travellers from China.
The United States has already banned the arrival of foreign nationals who
have visited China recently.
But for any such measure to be imposed in Europe the 27 EU members would
have to coordinate the decision, since most of them are in the Schengen
passport-free travel area.
The virus, which first emerged at the end of last year, has killed more
than 900 people. Some 40,000 people have been infected in China and 350
elsewhere.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1725 hrs