Malta's prime minister announced Wednesday that flights to the island from Switzerland, Germany, France and Spain would be suspended to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. People arriving in Malta from those four countries and from Italy should self-isolate at home for 14 days, Prime Minister Robert Abela told reporters. Those who flout the ban face a 1,000-euro fine. The flight bans will take effect from midnight local time. Aviation links to Italy, the scene of Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak, had already been halted. Malta itself has so far reported six cases of coronavirus. Authorities are looking into measures to repatriate tourists stuck on the Mediterranean island. "The situation is under control and the country is well prepared," said Abela. "We will do whatever is necessary to safeguard the people's health," he added. glr/jsk/jv