The European Union will impose an entry ban on travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days to battle the spread of the coronavirus, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday.
Member states "agreed to impose an entry ban" into the bloc, with only nationals of EFTA countries and Britain exempt from the restriction, said Merkel.
"That should apply for 30 days. Germany will implement it immediately," added the leader of Europe's biggest economy.
With countries severely curtailing travel to prevent COVID-19 contagion, Germany had earlier issued a warning against travel worldwide.
The bloc is taking "coordinated action to bring back stranded travellers," Ms Merkel said.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that thousands of Germans were stranded abroad as airlines slashed flights and borders closed.
'Boldest actions'
The World Health Organization's regional chief for Europe on Tuesday called for the "boldest actions" to fight the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the continent.
COVID-19 has infected more than 71,000 people and killed over 3,330 across Europe, the majority in hard-hit Italy, Spain and France.
Several countries have imposed stringent travel and movement restrictions and closed bars, restaurants and non-essential shops to slow the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday, WHO's regional office said European nations need to take drastic measures to fight the pandemic.
"Every country, with no exceptions, needs to take their boldest actions to stop or slow down the virus threat," Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said.
"Thinking that 'this does not concern me,' is not an option," Mr Kluge said.
But speaking to AFP later he said even "draconian measures may not stop, but slow down" the virus - tempering any expectations the illness can be wiped out altogether.
Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station, Italy, Monday, 9 March, 2020. Source: AAP
He said the "good news" was that the region was "alert and on guard," noting that "preparedness, readiness and response measures" had been launched in member states.
He urged countries to assess their own circumstances in order to determine which measures should be emphasised since the outbreak is progressing at a different pace in different countries.
But he said some measures should be universally considered.
"Every country should isolate the sick and quarantine their contacts and consider social distancing," Mr Kluge said.
