The rapid spread of the coronavirus has prompted unprecedented measures across Europe, with borders closing and travel restrictions imposed to curb transmission.
The once borderless Schengen Area, symbolizing European unity and freedom of movement, now sees doors slamming shut as nations prioritize public health and safety.
These stringent measures, while essential in containing the virus, signify a significant departure from the principles of open borders and international cooperation.
The widespread closures underscore the severity of the situation and the collective effort needed to combat the pandemic.
As Europe grapples with this crisis, solidarity and coordination among nations are paramount to navigating these challenging times and mitigating the impact on communities and economies alike.
The successive border closures came as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that Europe had become the pandemic’s current “epicenter” after reporting more cases and deaths than the rest of world combined, excluding China.
More than 22,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across Europe, and nearly 1,500 people with the virus have died on the continent – most of them in Italy.
While the virus is spreading across the continent, the rushed actions taken by individual states are highlighting the lack of a coordinated approach to fighting the coronavirus – not least among the European Union’s 27 member states.
