Coronavirus: Donald Trump extends European travel ban to include UK and Ireland

THE USA has confirmed it is to extend its current European travel ban to include the UK and Ireland over concerns of the spread of coronavirus.
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The news was confirmed by vice-president, Mike Pence, who said the decision had been made following the ‘unanimous recommendation’ from the country’s leading health experts to extend the travel ban.

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Mr Pence said: ‘In our taskforce meeting today the president has made a decision to suspend all travel to the UK and Ireland, effective midnight Monday night, eastern standard time.’

US President, Donald Trump, revealed at a press briefing that plans were in place to extend the European travel ban to include the UK and Ireland. 

Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty ImagesUS President, Donald Trump, revealed at a press briefing that plans were in place to extend the European travel ban to include the UK and Ireland. 

Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
US President, Donald Trump, revealed at a press briefing that plans were in place to extend the European travel ban to include the UK and Ireland. Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
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‘Americans and legal residents currently in the UK or Ireland can come home and they will will be funnelled through specific airports and processed.’

Earlier today president Trump had revealed plans were in place to extend the ban to include the UK.

When asked about the situation at press conference, Mr Trump said: ‘We're looking at it very seriously, yeah, because they've had a little bit of activity unfortunately, so we're going to be looking at that.

‘We actually already have looked at it and that is going to be announced.’

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President Trump’s original decision to ban 26 European countries from travel to the UK, which at that time excluded the UK, came into force at 4am today.

Mr Trump also confirmed he had been tested for coronavirus and expected to get the results in the next 48 hours.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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