Trump tests negative for coronavirus, extends travel ban to Britain, Ireland

A sign is seen posted on empty shelves, after further cases of coronavirus were confirmed in New York, at a Stop & Shop store in Port Washington, New York, U.S., March 14, 2020. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Donald Trump tested negative for the coronavirus, his doctor said on Saturday, as the U.S. president extended a travel ban to Britain and Ireland to try to slow the spread of a pandemic that has shut down much of the daily routine of American life.

After White House officials took the unprecedented step of checking the temperatures of journalists entering the briefing room, Trump told reporters he took a test for the virus on Friday night. On Saturday evening, his physician, Sean Conley, said the results were negative.