An aircraft of Lufthansa airline, Germany preparing to land at Dulles international airport, Virginia, US (Photo: AFP/VNA)

British and Irish travelers plus American citizens who have undergone the "appropriate screenings" will be exempt from the month-long ban, along with cargo.

President Trump said the EU has failed to block travelers from China, where the disease originated.

Trump asked Congress to approve tax relief measures for an economy that is suffering because of the Covid-19 epidemic, and said he may pump 200 billion USD into the market.

The US is taking steps to slow the spread of Covid-19. Major cities in the US have canceled and banned all large-scale events and meetings. Firms are allowing employees to work from home. Schools have closed and are conducting online classes for their students.