About this von der Leyen wrote on his Twitter.

I am extremely sad to announce the passing away yesterday of a devoted Commission member of staff, who had fallen ill to COVID-19. I present my heartfelt condolences to his family, and my thoughts are also with his colleagues from the ERCEA and the wider DG Research & Innovation.

- Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 13, 2020

“I regret to report the death on the eve of one of the devoted employees of the commission who fell ill with the coronavirus,” the text says.

The EC head added that she expresses condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased.

Earlier, the European Commission recommended that the European Union member states extend the restrictions on travel of citizens within the Schengen area until May 15 against the backdrop of the COVID-19 coronavirus infection pandemic.