Yesterday Trump ordered an end to travel by EU citizens who have been in the Schengen area in the preceding 14 days. Notable exclusions are UK and Ireland, and US citizens and permanent residents who are in Europe. The last get to go home if they want. Beyond the announcement, and the several post-announcement explanations -- certainly needed because Trump gave the impression of not having read his own order -- there is not much in the media about the reasoning behind the order. There are lots of cases of Covid-19 in Europe, particularly Italy. But there are over 1,000 cases in the US as well. Free travel is still available in the US, which means that there is still that mode for spread of the virus. As there is community transmission, travel is an issue. The order looks a bit, a good bit, like a not helpful bit of "doing something". The 'foreign virus' has a pretty good foothold in the US. And how is a virus foreign? When did they start getting nationalities? Well, set aside the sarcasm. What are the reasons for shutting down travel? Is it really a useful move? More, I wonder why no explanation has accompanied the order of how it will be a helpful thing to do.
The economic effects have become quite large. The losses to retirement funds and savings are starting to look like something on the order of the 2008 collapse. One hopes not. But it is frightening as well.
Recent Comments