The Trump administration is proposing travel restrictions to the Central American country of Aruba as a response to a deadly wave of disease that has claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, according to a senior administration official.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposed restrictions.
“The President has made it clear that he will not tolerate the spread of the virus in our country, and has instructed his top officials to do everything in their power to prevent the spread,” the official said.
“The President’s personal travel is being restricted and restrictions on the U.S. Government travel will be lifted in Aruba, in response to the new threat posed by the virus.
We will not allow it to spread.”
The White House issued a statement saying Trump will take a more aggressive stance on the spread, and the White House will continue to work with partners to prevent further deaths.
“The Trump administration has been clear in its commitment to work closely with the Cuban government to ensure that the virus is not allowed to spread to the Cuban people,” the White, House said.
The statement also noted that the Trump administration will provide Cuba with additional financial and technical assistance to help fight the disease.
Trump has been reluctant to engage in bilateral relations with Castro’s regime.
In the latest effort to combat the virus, the White Department said the Trump Administration has provided more than $500 million in humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean nation, and will continue providing aid to the country in the months ahead.