The government has warned the public to avoid “non-essential” travel and contact as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in the UK.
Following a Cobra meeting late on Monday afternoon, measures to tackle the virus were escalated in a bid to protect the public, including a request for people to work from home where possible, and to “avoid” pubs, clubs, and theatres.
And on Tuesday afternoon Foreign Secretary Dominc Raab told MPs that the Foreign Office is advising against all non-essential travel for an initial period of 30 days.
Similarly, the European Commission President announced on Monday that the European Union is to restrict all non-essential travel into the region for 30 days.
"The less travel, the more we can contain the virus," von der Leyen said in a video statement, adding, "I propose to the heads of state and government to introduce temporary restriction on nonessential travel to the European Union."
As the UK death toll has reached 55, the chief scientific adviser said the UK was about three weeks behind the situation in Italy, which has seen more than 1,800 deaths.
But can people still travel if they really want to? What does non-essential travel really cover? Here’s what you need to know:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) define “essential travel” as:
“Sometimes we say that only essential travel is advised. Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments to attend to.
“Circumstances differ from person to person. Only you can make an informed decision based on the risks.”
In other words, it’s down to the individual whether or not they think the journey is important enough to override the official government advice.
And if you do decide to go ahead with your travel, you won’t be affected by the EU’s travel ban despite Brexit in January of this year.
Ms Von der Leyen said: "The UK citizens are European citizens so of course there are no restrictions for the UK citizens to travel to the continent."
She added: "This travel restriction should be in place for an initial period of 30 days, which can be prolonged if necessary.
"There are exemptions - long term residents in the EU, family members of EU nationals, as well as diplomats, doctors, nurses, researchers and experts."
A number of British airlines including Jet2, EasyJet, and British Airways have cancelled flights across the world as Britons are now banned from entering 40 countries and terriroties.
Train companies such as Trainline are now offering full refunds on particular tickets amid the latest travel advice.
