US Raises Travel Warning to Highest Level for Some Areas in Korea... (Comprehensive Report 2)

Same Measures in Italy
Entry Ban for Visitors from Iran
Emergency Press Conference After First Domestic Novel Coronavirus Death
Trump to Hold Emergency Meeting with Pharmaceutical Companies on the 2nd

Vice President Mike Pence of the United States is announcing a 'travel ban' travel advisory for certain areas in South Korea and Italy while President Donald Trump watches. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government announced that it will raise the State Department travel advisory for South Korea and certain regions of Italy to the highest level, 'Do Not Travel,' due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence made this announcement on the 29th (local time) during a press conference at the White House attended by President Donald Trump.

The U.S. State Department had raised the travel advisory for South Korea to Level 3, 'Reconsider Travel,' on the 26th, and within three days, it further upgraded it to the highest level for certain areas.

Italy's travel advisory for some regions will also be raised to Level 4. Entry into the U.S. is completely banned for those who have visited Iran within the past two weeks.

The State Department's measures have not yet been posted on its website but are expected to be officially announced soon. Detailed information about the specific areas subject to the travel ban is also expected to be disclosed.

This decision appears to have been made as COVID-19 cases increase within the U.S. and the first death in the country was reported on the same day. The U.S. government reportedly held a COVID-19 task force meeting that morning to discuss these measures.

However, a ban on entry for nationals and visitors from South Korea and Italy, which is expected to cause significant repercussions, was not announced.

Vice President Pence stated that President Trump has instructed the State Department to cooperate with South Korea and Italy and coordinate medical screenings for individuals coming from these countries to the U.S.

Vice President Pence said, "We look forward to working together in a cooperative manner with these countries."

In a Q&A session with reporters, President Trump also mentioned that he is considering strengthening the border with Mexico, where the first COVID-19 case was confirmed. Additionally, President Trump explained that he plans to meet with pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies on the 2nd of next month to discuss shortages of medical supplies such as masks.

President Trump also did not forget to emphasize that "the Federal Reserve (Fed) should lower interest rates."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.