Trump Considers Suspending Domestic Flights to COVID-19 Hotspots

Regarding allegations of China downplaying and concealing COVID-19 statistics

President Trump says "I don't know" ... shows restraint in criticizing China

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 1st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he is considering suspending domestic flights, focusing on areas severely affected by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States.

At a COVID-19 briefing held at the White House that day, President Trump said, "We are reviewing the suspension of flights to and from outbreak hotspots such as New York and Miami," adding, "It is a very difficult decision to suspend all flights of every airline," and "We will announce this soon."

President Trump also added that rail operations would be "similar."

Regarding confusion over whether the general public should wear masks, President Trump responded, "Many people do not like wearing masks," and "It does not necessarily have to be a mask; a scarf is also fine."

On reports that China downplayed the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, President Trump said, "How would we know if they are underreporting?" and repeatedly emphasized his good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He said, "They will spend $250 billion on our products, $50 billion on our farms, and $200 billion on other sectors," adding, "It is an unprecedented great trade deal, and both we and they want to continue it."

Robert O'Brien, White House National Security Advisor, who was present, also said, "We cannot verify the numbers coming out of China," and "The President has a good relationship with Chairman Xi, and we want to have a great relationship with China," showing restraint in criticizing China.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported, citing officials, that U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that China downplayed the scale of COVID-19 infections and deaths, and that this was reported to the White House last week.

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