The coronavirus is unlikely to have an impact on domestic travel for the time being, according to one of the country’s top health officials.
During an interview on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was asked if the United States might implement domestic travel restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.
“When we sit around with the task force, we talk about every possibility. Travel restrictions within the country have not been seriously discussed,” Fauci said.
He continued:
“I mean they’ve been discussed, but not seriously discussed. I don’t see that right now in the immediate future, but remember, we are very open-minded about whatever it takes to preserve the health of the American public.”
Watch the interview below:
“I don’t see that right now in the immediate future but remember, we are very open-minded about whatever it takes to preserve the health of the American public,” Dr. Fauci tells @jonkarl when asked if the U.S. could impose domestic travel restrictions. https://t.co/b3vhObQa4c pic.twitter.com/4lcY79Lg0m
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 15, 2020
Fauci’s comments come as states around the country have taken more aggressive steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus, such as banning events expected to draw over a certain amount of people.
Additionally, numerous sporting events have been postponed or canceled, and some states have pushed back their presidential primaries because of the outbreak.
At a press conference on Saturday, President Donald Trump said he might consider restrictions on domestic flights if “an area gets a little bit out of control.” However, he added, “No decisions have been made yet.”
But, when asked if Americans should be traveling, Trump said, “If you don’t have to travel, I wouldn’t do it.”