(WXYZ) — The coronavirus is now impacting travel between the United States and Europe.
The president has addressed the nation with his plan to try and stop the spread of the virus here into the United States.
President Donald Trump stated he hopes new travel restrictions will reduce the threat to people in America. That being said those who had plans to go to Europe are skeptical to travel.
Matthew Vansimpsen was on a plane to Amsterdam when @realDonaldTrump announced a European travel ban. He decided to get off his flight, and return to Phoenix where he currently lives and works. He says he's not the only one who got off his plane. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/y2x9ICItIz
— Ali Hoxie (@ali_hoxie) March 12, 2020
“Well that was quit unexpected," said Matthew Vansimpsen.
Vansimpsen is currently living and working in Phoenix.
He was on his way to Amsterdam for work — about to take off from his layover from Detroit Metropolitan Airport— when the president announced a European travel ban. He chose to get off his flight.
“All the passengers were getting calls from family and from work saying don’t get in, don't board this aircraft you might not be able to come back as soon as we would like," said Vansimpsen.
The White House later taking to Twitter to clarify.
The travel restriction applies to foreign nationals who have been in 26 European countries with open borders agreements, in the last 14 days.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 12, 2020
Those exempt from these restrictions, such as U.S. citizens, will be directed to limited airports where screening can take place.
The ban applies to foreign nationals who have been in 26 European counties with open boarders.
Some countries, like the United Kingdom and Ireland, are exempt from the ban.
Americans will be able to fly to Europe if they choose and will be allowed back into the country. But they will be directed to airports with health screenings.
Detroit Metro Airport is one of those airports.
President Trump also taking to Twitter to say “trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe.”
Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countries & businesses to know that trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe. The restriction stops people not goods.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2020
Travel restrictions remain in place with major airlines to and from China, including with American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta.
