The White House has announced that the US will broaden its European travel ban, adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to its list.
It will come into effect on Monday.
Under the restrictions, American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the US – but will be funneled to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders, according to reports.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced a month-long restriction on travel from most of Europe, set to begin at midnight on Friday night.
He said on Thursday that he was considering other major restrictions, such as limiting travel to domestic hot spots like California and Washington state, without spelling out how he would manage such an extraordinary effort.
The State Department issued a global advisory cautioning US citizens to “reconsider travel abroad”.
US President Donald Trump confirmed it to reporters - where he also revealed he'd taken a test for the coronavirus but hadn't had a result yet.
Meanwhile, the Tanaiste says Irish citizens should exercise a high degree of caution when making travel plans particularly in Europe.
In a statement, Simon Coveney says a growing number of countries are also imposing restrictions on entry and exit.
His department is now advising against non-essential travel to the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Poland, and Slovakia.
It'll also be providing additional guidance on Spain, which remains at non-essential travel, while Italy remains at no travel.
The Department's consular advice line will be open through the weekend and Irish embassies and consulates will be using social media to keep citizens informed.
