European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, March 16, 2020. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Monday that she had informed the G7 that she proposed to the heads of state and government to introduce a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the European Union (EU). (European Union/Handout via Xinhua)

BRUSSELS, March 16  -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that she had proposed a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the European Union (EU), as a measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

After a teleconference with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, von der Leyen said, together with the President of the European Council Charles Michel, that "we informed today our G7 partners that we propose to introduce a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the European Union."

"There will be exemptions, for example for EU citizens coming back home, for healthcare workers, like doctors and nurses, but also scientists working on the solution of this health crisis," she said, adding "that should be in place for an initial period of 30 days."

The proposal is expected to be discussed by leaders of EU member states during a video conference on Tuesday.