Coronavirus: Trump includes UK and Ireland in European travel ban

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America’s European travel ban due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Reuters.

Trump to add UK and Ireland to European travel ban according to reports

The new restrictions are expected to begin on Monday night.

U.S. President Donald Trump originally exempted Britain and Ireland from his 30-day ban on travellers from 26 European countries that took effect at midnight on Friday.

At a press conference he was asked about reports that the US travel ban from Europe would be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday.

He 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."

Mr Trump also confirmed that he had been tested for coronavirus.

More than 800 people in the UK have tested positive for COVID-19.

In the last 24 hours, the country’s COVID-19 related deaths doubled from 11 to 21.

It is understood that American citizens, green card holders and others will still be allowed to return home to the US.

But they will be sent to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders, the AP news agency reported.