[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The United States is considering raising travel restrictions in response to the novel coronavirus infection. The number of quarantine airports has also been expanded.
Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced on the 28th (local time) that quarantine for travelers returning from China is being strengthened, and the number of quarantine airports will be expanded from the existing five to twenty.
According to CNBC and other broadcasts, the U.S. government is reportedly reviewing travel restrictions on China on the same day. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel ban on Hubei Province and a travel advisory for the entire China the day before, recommending avoiding visits to China except for unavoidable cases.
Not only the United States but also other countries have consecutively issued travel advisories for China. Australia issued a travel caution advisory for the entire China. Taiwan also issued a travel caution advisory and blocked entry of Chinese group tourists. Hong Kong decided to suspend train operations between China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong closed land crossings and passenger ship terminals connecting to mainland China.
The United States, Japan, Europe, and other countries have launched evacuation operations using charter flights from Wuhan, China. Since the Chinese government closed Wuhan to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, countries including the U.S. have been negotiating with the Chinese government to evacuate their nationals.
On the 29th, the United States evacuated 240 of its nationals from Wuhan using a charter flight. The charter flight included diplomats, their families, and citizens. They are expected to travel to Ontario, California, via Anchorage, Alaska.
According to flight tracking records, the U.S. charter flight departed Wuhan Tianhe Airport at 4:54 a.m. that day. After undergoing virus testing in Anchorage, they will be quarantined for two weeks in Ontario.
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 a.m. 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 sat in seats separated from other passengers. About 400 Japanese residents in Wuhan are waiting to return.
The European Union (EU) also plans to evacuate using a French aircraft later this week.
Australia has decided to cooperate with New Zealand to evacuate their nationals. After evacuating their nationals residing in Wuhan, Australia and New Zealand will implement quarantine and isolation measures for a certain period. Australia will keep the evacuated nationals on Christmas Island, far from the Australian mainland, to monitor their health condition.
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