The Korean Government Plans to Send Charter Flights to Bring Korean Residents Living in Wuhan Back

Demand Survey Completed for Over 500 Korean Residents and Students

U.S. Government Also Plans to Evacuate Its Citizens from Wuhan

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shim Nayoung] On the 26th, it was reported that the government is pushing forward with plans to deploy charter flights to evacuate Korean nationals, including residents and students, remaining in Wuhan, China, the origin of the novel coronavirus.

The Korean Consulate General in Wuhan has reportedly already completed a preliminary demand survey regarding the use of charter flights for over 500 Korean residents and students still in Wuhan.

The government is also preparing quarantine measures for those returning from Wuhan. Currently, among the Korean nationals staying in Wuhan, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of Wuhan pneumonia.

On the 24th, the government held an emergency meeting on the 'Wuhan pneumonia' chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, where it was decided to proceed with plans to bring back Korean residents stranded in Wuhan using charter flights and other means.

The Chinese government has suspended all flights and train services departing from Wuhan and has blocked highways and regular roads leading out of Wuhan.

A government official stated, "Foreigners are understood to be able to leave using private cars with permission from the Chinese government," adding, "The Consulate General in Wuhan is receiving related applications."

On the 26th (local time), U.S. media reported that the U.S. government is also planning to use charter flights to evacuate its citizens remaining in Wuhan.

The U.S. government intends to deploy a charter flight with a capacity of about 230 people to bring back American citizens and their families, as well as diplomats dispatched to the U.S. Consulate in Wuhan. Additionally, the U.S. plans to temporarily close its consulate in Wuhan.