WASHINGTON - The United States on Saturday moved to limit travel to and from coronavirus-hit countries, announcing expanded travel restrictions on Iran and raising warnings against travel to regions of South Korea and Italy as a man in the state of Washington became the first in America to die from the virus.
The state of Washington declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and Governor Jay Inslee said officials were considering cancelling sporting events, closing schools and taking any other steps needed to slow the spread of the virus. More cases will come but the risk to Americans remains low, said US President Donald Trump and top health officials at a press conference on Saturday as they urged the public to remain calm and go about their daily lives.
"The average American does not need to go out and buy a mask," he said amid reports of panic buying of toilet paper, bottled water and hand sanitiser in Hawaii, which imports much of its food and goods. On Saturday, Mr Pence said existing travel restrictions on Iran would be expanded to include any foreign national who has visited Iran in the last 14 days.
The White House will also hold more briefings to keep the public informed of the situation, said Mr Trump. He added that he would meet pharmaceutical companies on Monday about the quick development of a coronavirus vaccine.