Passengers wear protective masks to protect against the spread of the Coronavirus as they arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport, California, on January 22, 2020.
Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Images
The White House is considering imposing travel restrictions on China amid an escalating death toll from the new coronavirus, two senior administration officials said Tuesday.
The restrictions could affect flights into and out of China, as well as airports across the United States, the officials said. The officials declined to be named because no final decision has been made.
A senior staff meeting was held at the White House on Monday during which the restrictions were discussed.
Coronavirus live updates: Outbreak has killed 106 people and infected nearly 4,700
A press conference is scheduled for later Tuesday at the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its China travel warning on Tuesday, now warning all U.S. travelers to avoid the entire country.
Previously, the health agency had advised against nonessential travel to Wuhan, the city where the disease was first diagnosed and the site of the majority of known cases.
The new coronavirus has killed 106 people and infected more than 4,500, according to Chinese health authorities. It was first diagnosed late last month.
Markets fell sharply on Monday amid fears that coronavirus could have an impact on global growth. The major indexes rebounded on Tuesday, fueled by gains in the financial and tech sectors.
