U.S. bans foreign nationals who have been in Europe from entering U.S.

WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - Travel restrictions announced on Wednesday by President Donald Trump bans most foreign nationals who have traveled to Schengen Area countries in Europe during the previous 14 days from entering the United States, the Homeland Security Department said.

The restrictions, meant to combat the spread of the coronavirus, do not apply to legal permanent residents of the United States, nor does it generally apply to immediate family members of American citizens, DHS said in a statement.

DHS acting Secretary Chad Wolf said in the statement he plans to issue a notice in the next 48 hours that would require U.S. passengers who have been in Schengen Area countries to travel through select airports with enhanced screening. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)