US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping travel restrictions on 26 European countries in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The measures apply to travellers from countries which are members of the Schengen border-free travel area.

The UK, Ireland and other non-Schengen countries are unaffected. Exemptions are also being made for US citizens.

In an address to the nation President Trump said the "strong but necessary" actions would help protect Americans.

The new rules go into effect on Friday at midnight EDT and mark a major escalation from the US president, who has been accused of inaction over coronavirus.

There are 1,135 confirmed cases of the virus across the US, with 38 deaths so far.

BBC