EU raises COVID-19 risk level, insists not to close interior borders

EU'S ANTI-VIRUS FIGHT

So far more than 20 European countries have reported COVID-19 infection cases. Measures have been taken to contain the virus on one hand, and advices have been given, on the other, to keep the normal life going.

The EU has been working to coordinate the member countries' national measures so as to boost the overall preparedness in the bloc. "There has been a huge amount of coordination over the last eight weeks," said von der Leyen.

Praising the efforts made by the European Commission to respond to the global outbreak, von der Leyen also announced the establishment of a COVID-19 response team that comprises five European Commissioners.

The response team will work on three parallel pillars -- medical field, mobility and economy, she elaborated.

An accelerated joint procurement procedure for personal protective equipment with 20 EU member states was announced. Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for health issues, said invitations to tender have been sent to a number of selected companies identified through a market analysis.

During the press conference, questions were raised on whether the free movements of people were to be limited within the EU due to the epidemic concerns.

"No, this is not under consideration," replied von der Leyen.

However, the Czech Republic on Monday joined a number of other countries to stop direct flights from affected areas including South Korea and northern Italy.

"We are stopping flights from Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Bologna of Italy and that from South Korea due to the coronavirus spread. It is currently a necessary measure to protect our citizens. Unfortunately, in Italy and South Korea the number of infected people is rising rapidly," said Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech on Twitter.