(25 February 2020) – Any border restriction related to coronavirus in the EU should be based on a thorough risk assessment and scientific advice, two European Commissioners said on Monday, highlighting that it must be a proportional response, coordinated among member states.
Speaking after a recent coronavirus outbreak in Italy, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides and Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič added that imposing restrictive border measures in the Schengen area is a member state competence.
No member state has currently notified the Commission of the intention to take such action.
Kyriakides said the Commission is closely following the situation in Italy, which demonstrates how quickly the situation can change.
She added that the situation causes concern and highlighted how important it is for member states to be prepared for similar cases. (EurActiv)