US charter flight takes off early on the 29th carrying about 240 people
Japan also evacuates about 200 people on the same day
Korea evacuates about 700 people via four flights on the 30th-31st
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Starting with the United States, countries including Japan and Europe have launched evacuation operations using charter flights to repatriate their nationals from Wuhan, China. Our government also plans to evacuate Koreans residing in Wuhan to Korea over a two-day schedule.
On the 29th, the United States evacuated 240 of its nationals from Wuhan using a charter flight. The passengers included diplomats, their families, and citizens. They are reported to be heading to Ontario, California, via Anchorage, Alaska.
According to flight tracking records, the U.S. charter flight departed Wuhan Tianhe Airport at 4:54 AM that day. After undergoing virus testing in Anchorage, they will be quarantined for two weeks in Ontario.
Ontario Airport was chosen as the final destination because it has been trained to accommodate Americans arriving from overseas during emergencies.
Japan also evacuated 206 residents from Wuhan on the same day. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the charter flight arrived at Haneda Airport around 8:40 AM. Four medical staff accompanied the passengers to monitor their health. They will stay at home for the next two weeks to observe their condition.
According to NHK, some of the returning Japanese complained of poor condition and were seated separately from other passengers. Approximately 400 Japanese nationals residing in Wuhan are still awaiting repatriation.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated in an interview with Japanese media, "We will continue to take all possible measures for Japanese nationals who wish to return to Japan."
The European Union (EU) also plans to evacuate its nationals this week using a French aircraft.
Australia has partnered with New Zealand to repatriate their nationals. After evacuating their citizens from Wuhan, both countries will implement quarantine and isolation measures for a certain period. Australia will monitor the health of its evacuees on Christmas Island, which is far from the Australian mainland.
Meanwhile, Korea plans to use Korean Air flights twice daily on the 30th and 31st to bring back Korean nationals residing in Wuhan. It is reported that about 700 Koreans in Wuhan wish to return home.
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