The United States said Friday it was suspending all routine visa services around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic. The State Department said in a travel advisory that U.S. embassies and consulates would still consider emergency visas if they have adequate staff.

"In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates," read an announcement on the website of the State Department. 

Embassies and consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and non immigrant visa appointments as of March 20, according to the statement. 

The U.S. has reported 14,250 confirmed cases so far and at least 200 deaths.