As the threat of COVID-19 increases around the globe, with a severe outbreak in Italy and an official classification as a full-blown pandemic by the World Health Organization, President Trump has taken strong and unprecedented measures to halt the spread of the virus in the United States.

On top of current bans on travel to China that his administration already imposed, Trump recently added Europe to the list of regions the US will suspend travel to and from. The United Kingdom is not included in this most recent travel ban, which goes into effect this Friday at midnight.

“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,” Trump stated during an address to the nation from the Oval Office Wednesday night.

President Trump also noted that the restrictions will not affect American travelers who have taken the necessary screenings for COVID-19.

Moreover, the president announced a financial response to the economic impact the coronavirus has had on the country, such as ordering the Treasury Department to defer certain tax payments for qualifying individuals and businesses, as well as calling for immediate payroll tax relief to put more income into the pockets of citizens who may be financially stressed amidst the public health crisis.

“To ensure that working Americans impacted by the virus can stay home without fear of financial hardship I will soon be taking emergency action, which is unprecedented, to provide financial relief,” Trump said.

He then repeated the CDC’s guidelines to combat the virus, emphasizing taking precautions to shield elderly citizens from it.

“Wash your hands, clean often-used surfaces, cover your face and mouth if you sneeze or cough. Most of all, if you’re sick or not feeling well, stay home,” Trump said, before adding this message about unity:

“We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family. As history has proven time and time again, Americans always rise to the challenge and overcome adversity. Our future remains brighter than anyone can imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens and emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever before.”

Immediately after his address, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham announced cancellations for the president’s events in Nevada and Colorado “out of an abundance of caution.”