In
response to the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, British citizens stranded
in the city are set to be repatriated by the British authorities and isolated
for two weeks upon their return to the UK. The repatriation plane may land at a
military base in the UK, and the flight crew, attendants, and medics will be
issued with protective equipment. British Airways has canceled flights to and
from China, raising concerns for UK citizens in the country.
The
death toll in mainland China has risen to 132, with confirmed cases exceeding
6,000. British evacuees will be required to agree to a two-week isolation
period or they will not be allowed to board the government-chartered plane.
Health checks will be conducted before boarding. The returnees will be
quarantined in a secure facility by the authorities, even if they don't show
symptoms, and will receive medical attention as needed.
These
measures have been implemented due to concerns about the rapid spread of the
virus in China and its emergence in other countries. The new coronavirus, known
as "2019-nCoV," is believed to be spreading more quickly than the
SARS virus, although it is currently less deadly.
The government is working to repatriate its citizens from Wuhan, and there
is uncertainty regarding how many of the estimated 250 Britons in Hubei
province will choose to take the evacuation flight. The situation may become
more challenging if additional air routes out of China are closed.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have responded to the situation, with BA suspending all flights to and from mainland China and Virgin Atlantic allowing passengers to rebook or obtain refunds for flights between Heathrow and Shanghai.
Germany
has also reported confirmed cases of coronavirus, making it the second European
country to do so after France. In the UK, approximately 100 people have been
tested by the authorities, with all results negative, but the virus may still
enter the country. People who returned to the UK from Wuhan since January 10
have been advised by governments to self-isolate for 14 days.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/coronavirus-uk-latest-brits-stranded-china-isolated-14-days-a4347626.html