SYDNEY: A total of 239 Australians evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan have been cleared of the novel coronavirus, with two remaining facing only a “minimal” chance that they have the virus, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
The 241 evacuees, who arrived on the Australian-run Christmas Island off Australia’s northwest coast yesterday, will remain quarantined for 14 days, the maximum incubation period for the virus.
“All travellers, I’m advised, have been examined, and there are no cases of confirmed coronavirus,” Hunt told reporters in Canberra yesterday.
“Fourteen were looked at more closely to ensure they were in an acceptable condition and they have now all been cleared of the virus. A further two are being tested as a precaution.”
Australia has asked for permission for a second evacuation flight out of Wuhan in Hubei province, the epicentre of the coronavirus which has been in lockdown.
There were 600 Australians registered in Hubei last week.
An evacuation flight chartered by Air New Zealand Ltd was scheduled to leave Wuhan late yesterday, with 70 New Zealanders and 50 Australian citizens and permanent residents onboard.
The Australians will be transferred from Auckland to Christmas Island. — Reuters
The 241 evacuees, who arrived on the Australian-run Christmas Island off Australia’s northwest coast yesterday, will remain quarantined for 14 days, the maximum incubation period for the virus.
“All travellers, I’m advised, have been examined, and there are no cases of confirmed coronavirus,” Hunt told reporters in Canberra yesterday.
“Fourteen were looked at more closely to ensure they were in an acceptable condition and they have now all been cleared of the virus. A further two are being tested as a precaution.”
Australia has asked for permission for a second evacuation flight out of Wuhan in Hubei province, the epicentre of the coronavirus which has been in lockdown.
There were 600 Australians registered in Hubei last week.
An evacuation flight chartered by Air New Zealand Ltd was scheduled to leave Wuhan late yesterday, with 70 New Zealanders and 50 Australian citizens and permanent residents onboard.
The Australians will be transferred from Auckland to Christmas Island. — Reuters
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