California Senator Dianne Feinstein says the US Capitol buildings should "close down" amid a coronavirus scare in Washington DC, where several cases of the flu-like illness have been confirmed and health officials in the district urge cancelling large-scale events.

Ms Feinstein, who at 86 years old is the oldest member of the US Senate, told reporters that she's "worried about the fact that we need to close this place down. I really believe that now."

The Capitol should at least be closed to visitors, she said, and "for meetings and that kind of thing, and people can come in if they want to come into their office".

But she says she has "constituents by the hundreds that come across the country and I don't think they should right now".

Ms Feinstein added that there's no "important" reason to remain open for other essential business — the Senate will not be holding any hearings or sessions in DC next week, as per the regular schedule.

Seven members of Congress from across the US have elected to self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with people infected with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says he has not been tested for the virus and "remains in excellent health", according to White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham.

Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser is considering declaring a state of emergency in the city following four confirmed cases, two of which stemmed from Christ Church in Georgetown, where the church's rector tested positive for the virus last weekend.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation officially labelled the outbreak a pandemic.

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On Monday, health officials urged hundreds of people who had visited the church and had contact with the rector to self-quarantine.

Health officials in the District also recommend cancelling all "non-essential" mass gatherings, defined as gatherings of 1,000 people or more, and are also advising "any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated" to be rescheduled. Those recommendations remain in effect through 31 March.

A St Patrick's Parade that was scheduled for Sunday has also been cancelled.

On 16 March, public schools in the district will close to allow staff to prepare for "distance-learning" programmes and online coursework, following similar moves from area schools and universities that are considering online classes.