Passengers wear masks as they arrive at Dulles International airport in Dulles, Virginia on March 17, 2020.
Andrew Caballero Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — The State Department announced on Thursday a level four travel advisory applying to all U.S. citizens for international travel amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
The advisory, the highest of its kind, instructs all Americans abroad to either return to the U.S. or prepare to shelter in place. The level four advisory also dictates that Americans cannot travel abroad.
“If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe,” the State Department wrote in a release.
During a press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump said he would be discussing the travel advisory with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, but did not confirm the change.
Less than a week ago, the State Department upped the travel advisory to level three, which calls for U.S. citizens to reconsider travel.
Politico was first to report the travel advisory change. The State Department did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
The latest revelation comes as more than 8,946 people have died and more than 219,400 people have been infected around the world with the virus.