The passenger queue at the British Airways counter at Dulles International Airport sits empty March 13, 2020 in Dulles, Virginia. The US said Saturday it is stepping up its fight against the novel coronavirus and extending a European travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland. PHOTO | WIN MCNAMEE| GETTY IMAGES | AFP
What you need to know:
The travel ban also caused widespread consternation among travellers.
Britain's death toll from the novel coronavirus nearly doubled on Saturday, to 21.
The Republic of Ireland so far has 70 confirmed cases and one death.
Washington
The United States said Saturday it is stepping up its fight against Covid-19 (coronavirus) and extending a European travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland, while acknowledging that some domestic travel curbs are also being considered.
