US Bans Travel Worldwide... COVID-19 Infections Exceed 11,000

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 19th (local time), the U.S. Department of State raised its travel advisory for all countries worldwide to the highest level, Level 4 "Do Not Travel." This is interpreted as a high-intensity measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Previously, the U.S. had issued Level 4 travel bans for China, northern Italy, and Daegu and Gyeongbuk in Korea, but this has now been expanded. Last week, the advisory for all countries was raised to Level 3. This measure is a recommendation applied to U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad and is not mandatory.

The Department of State also recommended that Americans currently overseas return home.

Despite the Department of State's return recommendation, the COVID-19 situation in the U.S. continues to worsen. On this day, the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. exceeded 11,000.

According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, as of the afternoon of this day, the number of COVID-19 cases increased to 11,274. After surpassing 10,000 in the morning, an additional 1,000 cases were added in the afternoon.

In New York, where the highest number of confirmed cases occurred, 4,158 people have been infected, with daily increases in the thousands. In this regard, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order the day before to reduce workforce at each business by 50%, but on this day, it was expanded to 75%.

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