US Deploys Charter Flight on 28th to Evacuate Nationals from Wuhan, China

U.S. State Department Arranges Charter Flight on 28th
China "Provides Necessary Assistance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] The United States has begun procedures to evacuate Americans residing in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, via charter flight. This measure is in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) that originated in Wuhan.

According to AFP and other news agencies on the 26th, the U.S. State Department sent an email to its citizens staying in Wuhan, announcing that a charter flight carrying consulate staff and others will depart from Wuhan, China to San Francisco, USA on the 28th of this month. However, it is reported that there are not enough seats to accommodate all civilians.

Earlier, CNN reported on the 25th that the U.S. government had closed the U.S. consulate in Wuhan and signed a contract to lease a charter flight to evacuate about 30 diplomats and their families. It is estimated that about 1,000 Americans currently reside in Wuhan. Civilians who wish to use the charter flight must pay separately.

In response to the U.S. measures, the Chinese government confirmed that it is providing necessary conveniences. Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "Recently, the U.S. side requested the withdrawal and repatriation of U.S. consulate staff stationed in Wuhan," adding, "China is making arrangements according to international practices and China’s epidemic prevention regulations, providing necessary cooperation and conveniences."

Other countries are also accelerating efforts to evacuate their citizens residing in Wuhan. The French Consulate General in Wuhan is reportedly considering transporting its citizens residing in Wuhan by bus to Changsha City in the neighboring Hunan Province, according to Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP). French automobile manufacturer PSA Group (Peugeot-Citro?n) issued a statement on the 25th saying it is considering ways to evacuate 38 employees and their families working in Wuhan.

As of midnight on the 26th, the Chinese National Health Commission announced that 1,975 confirmed cases of "Wuhan pneumonia" have been reported across 30 provinces nationwide, with 56 deaths.