The EU said it would send more than 250,000 citizens of the region seeking to return home when stranded abroad due to Covid-19.

"We have brought 350,000 people home but 250,000 people are stuck, many activities are underway. The number of citizens abroad seeking help continues to increase, many people have contacted their embassies. for support, "said the European Union's senior representative for security and foreign policy Josep Borrell, speaking at a press conference after an online meeting of European foreign ministers on April 3.

The EU in mid-March estimated that the number of citizens required to repatriate was about 80,000, but by March 20 the number had increased to 300,000. Borrell said it was "unimaginable" about the number of European citizens trapped around the world including tourists, visitors, short-term workers and not counting the number of permanent residents.

French nationals trapped in Australia, Spanish citizens in Peru and German nationals in India were repatriated on commercial flights, although many airlines narrowed flight frequencies because of Covid-19. The EU must use an emergency air bridge program to bring about 10,000 citizens home because there are no commercial flights, although many countries in the bloc have not yet qualified.

EU organizations combine chartered aircraft and military aircraft to help member governments cover the cost of repatriation.

"We will continue to make efforts even harder every day. Airlines are letting their planes lie and close the airspace. However, little by little, they will all be going home." Borrell said.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the most likely to be repatriated as a group, individual travelers will be less likely to be supported. Maas said Germany repatriated 194,000 visitors and helped many other EU citizens to return to Europe. France and Spain have brought thousands of citizens home.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward said it is working closely with the Vietnamese authorities to "provide consular support and support" for the affected citizens, advising them to return immediately. as long as flights are still operating

"If you are residing in the UK and you are traveling abroad, including Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises you to return home while there are still commercial routes," according to a statement from the British Embassy in Vietnam. Nam today.

Covid-19 originated in China in December 2019, appearing more than 200 countries and territories with more than one million cases of nCoV, more than 55,000 deaths and more than 220,000 people have recovered.