President Donald Trump has confirmed that the UK and Ireland are to be added to the US’ European travel ban.
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday March 16, 2020, eastern standard time (0400 GMT).
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be “funnelled” through selected airports, said Vice President Mike Pence.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain.
In response, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said: “This is a decision for the US. We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible.
“We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus.”
