WHO says China virus evacuations not needed

Tedros Adhanom, director general of the World Health Organisation shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Tuesday (Jan. 28). - AP

BEIJING:Evacuating foreign nationals from the epicentre of China's deadly virus outbreak is unnecessary, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday (Jan 28) according to state media.

The health body said it was still "waiting for clarification" about the comments of its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who met with Chinese officials in Beijing, including President Xi Jinping to discuss how to contain the infection.