Donald Trump tests negative for coronavirus after announcing UK travel ban

  • Video report by ITV News Correspondent Ivor Bennett

Donald Trump has announced the US will reveal plans to extend its travel ban to the UK and Ireland in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Asked about reports he was considering extending the European travel ban to the UK and Ireland, the US President said: "We're looking at it very seriously, yeah, because they've had a little bit of activity unfortunately.

"We actually have looked at it and that's going to be announced."

The US President also told the press conference he had been tested for coronavirus. Hours later, Mr Trump's doctor revealed he had tested negative for the disease.

Mr Trump had faced pressure to get tested for Covid-19 after a picture emerged of him standing next to a Brazilian official who tested positive for the disease.

US vice president Mike Pence, who is leading the US taskforce in the fight against Covid-19, confirmed travel to the UK and Ireland would be suspended from midnight on Monday ET (Monday 0400 GMT).

Mr Pence said there had been a "unanimous recommendation" from health experts to extend the travel ban.

He said: "Americans in the UK or Ireland can come home, legal residents can come home ... they will will be funnelled through specific airports and processed."

Mr Pence announced those returning to the US would be "funneled" through selected airports.

A Downing Street spokesman confirmed Boris Johnson and Donald Trump had talked about the US travel ban.

The spokesman said: "They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the virus.

"The Prime Minister set out the science-led approach the UK is taking.

"Ahead of a call with G7 leaders on the outbreak, the Prime Minister and the President agreed on the importance of international coordination to accelerate progress on the development of a vaccine and to prevent economic disruption for our citizens."

  • Trump announces coronavirus tests will be free

It comes just a day after Donald Trump announced a national emergency in the US which helped free up more than $50bn (£40bn) to help fight against coronavirus.

So far, the US has had 50 confirmed coronavirus deaths and 20,226 cases.

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