European Union health ministers hold a press conference after an emergency meeting on COVID-19 outbreak.

As of Thursday, 4,197 confirmed cases have been reported in the EU/EEA and the UK, with 112 deaths, according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Preparedness and response measures including suspension of mass gatherings have been discussed. Non-essential travel advice to affected areas have been issued among different countries. 

Since most of confirmed cases and deaths have been reported in Italy, ECDC noted that the WHO-ECDC team's support of Italy has been ongoing and will take further measures once this has concluded.