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WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States is arranging a
flight to evacuate personnel and American citizens trapped at the epicentre
of a deadly virus in central China, the US State Department said.
The flight will leave on Tuesday from Wuhan and take people to San
Francisco, the department said in an email to Americans in China, warning
that there would be “limited capacity” for private citizens.
A notice from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing said there would be limited capacity to transport U.S. citizens on a Tuesday flight from Wuhan that will proceed directly to San Francisco.
It said that in the event there are not enough seats, priority will be given to to individuals “at greater risk from coronavirus.”
It is understood medical personnel will be on the flight to care for anyone who may have been infected by the virus and prevent it from spreading.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said it is involved in the efforts to help Americans leave Wuhan.
‘Department of State has the lead for the safe and expedient ordered departure of all US citizens from Wuhan, China,’ CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said.
‘CDC is aware and coordinating in the planning.’
Washington was given approval for the operation from China’s Foreign Ministry and other government agencies following negotiations in recent days.
The US also plans to temporarily shut its Wuhan consulate, it said.
Meanwhile, cities across America are on high alert amid the escalating coronavirus crisis as 63 people in 22 states are suspected to have contracted the deadly strain.
The outbreak of the new virus originated in China, where it has infected more than 2,000 people and killed 56, and has spread worldwide.
Australia and Malaysia reported their first cases Saturday – four each – and Japan, its third. France confirmed three cases Friday, the first in Europe. — NNN-AGENCIES