12 cases in France and 16 in Germany, Schengen area closure discussed

The two deaths in Italy mark and the first victims of Covid 19 in Europe, given that so far, the only life lost on the old continent was considered that of an 80-year-old Chinese tourist who was passing through France. There is fear in Brussels that the situation could deteriorate over the next few days, with a possible explosive increase in infection. A nightmare scenario that threatens with serious consequences on people's health, but also on an economic level.

At the moment, no one speaks clearly of stopping the free Schengen movement, which the EU would like to avoid at any cost. But the idea is starting to circulate. Ten days earlier, at the conclusion of the extraordinary meeting of the EU Health Council, the 27 ministers had written black on white were “ready for tough travel measures”, but on one condition: “protecting freedom of movement within the EU”.

Meanwhile, however, things have changed significantly: until a few days ago, European countries were discussing steps to take to protect themselves from the <x0 threat” external. But now the virus is here, and it has a strong potential to transform and an internal problem of Europe. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said she is following the situation in Italy very carefully and that the European Union is willing to come to the aid of Italian authorities and ensure any possible support.