European Union will close external borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus pandemic

European Union member nations will close EU’s external borders for 30 days in a dramatic new effort slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the planned closings of the massive union’s external borders at a press conference Tuesday.

Movement of people within the European Union’s 27 member nations will be still be allowed under the restrictions.

“The union and its member states will do whatever it takes,” said European Council President Charles Michel.

Michel said the EU will arrange for the repatriation of citizens of member countries.

The EU is an economic and political union of most of the countries in Europe, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Benelux nations, Austria, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and all Scandavian countries with the exception of Norway.

Great Britain previously was an EU member before Brexit. Switzerland is another conspicuous non-member, as are most of the former component nations of communist Yugoslavia, with the exception of Croatia and Slovenia.

On Monday, Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said he was closing his nation’s borders to foreigners, with the major exception of U.S. citizens.

Also Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered people in that nation to stay at home for up to 15 days, except for essential needs.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.