WASHINGTON — European countries have slammed President Donald Trump's move to suspend flights from Europe to the United States in a response to the coronavirus outbreak. In an address to the nation Wednesday night, President Trump announced sweeping travel bans and also called on Congress for changes regarding the virus.

"This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history,” said Trump. “I am confident by counting and continuing to take these tough measures, we will significantly reduce the threat to our citizens, and we will ultimately and expeditiously defeat this virus."

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President Trump called for economic stimulus, asking for tax breaks and aid to small businesses, but didn’t promise paid sick leave or benefits for anyone affected by the coronavirus, something Democrats have been pushing. 

On top of the travel ban for non-U.S. citizens from Europe, President Trump also mentioned that test kits were “expanding rapidly” but didn’t say much more on any federally provided testing. 

Some California Democrats say there is little value to the travel restrictions and that the president should be focusing on mitigation measures within the communities. 

Congressman Jim Costa from the 16th district out of Fresno said he has a constituent right now who is quarantined at the Travis Air Force Base after his sister tested positive for COVID-19.

“Part of the California delegation, we’re very concerned. It’s the largest state in the nation, 40 million people, a gateway to the Pacific Ocean,” said Costa. “Well, to be clear, they are part of the quarantine in Travis. They were released from the Japanese mainland, from the cruise ship, to come back to the U.S. They tested negative and they have been in Travis since that time in coming back, but her sister is in a hospital in Japan.”

California Republicans like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, are giving the president credit for his actions, like closing the border early against China and signing the $8.3 billion bipartisan emergency bill last week. 

McCarthy said he’s condemning Democrats for trying to limit the president’s authority to restrict travel during this health crisis. 

But there is an agreement between both parties: that there should be more tests to come out as soon as possible for people in the community. 

COVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic, the World Health Organization announced Wednesday.

For the latest updates go to: coronavirus.gov