The announcement, which will allow visits to nearly all EU countries, British overseas territories and Australia and New Zealand, effectively puts an end to the air-bridge or travel corridor policy pursued by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

Iranian manufacturers have stepped up the production of key products like hand sanitizer needed to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged US President Donald Trump to respond “reasonably” to the coronavirus outbreak, saying Beijing is doing all it can to contain the epidemic.

Washington has “unceasingly manufactured and spread panic” over the outbreak.

The death toll from China's coronavirus outbreak has surpassed 250 as foreign nations tightened restrictions on travelers from China.

The United States warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new virus reached 213 on Friday.

Iran has strongly advised its citizens, particularly scientists and elites, not to visit the United States.