The flu-like virus has been spreading around China since the turn of the year
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In a statement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said: “We are pleased to have confirmation from the Chinese authorities that the evacuation flight from Wuhan airport to the UK can depart at 5am local time on Friday 31 January.
“The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. Our embassy in Beijing and consular teams remain in close contact with British nationals in the region to ensure they have the latest information they need.”
There are believed to be around 200 British nationals currently stranded in Wuhan, who will be pleased to here that there is now official confirmation they can return home.
The coronavirus is now present in every single region in China, following the discovery of a case in Tibet, with over 7,000 people now having been infected with it in the country.
The virus, which has so far killed over 170 people, is believed to have spread to at least 15 other countries, including Germany, Vietnam and Japan. However, there have been no confirmed cases in Britain so far.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is due to meet today to discuss whether the outbreak should constitute a global health emergency.
The recent outbreak, which is believed to have started over the turn of the year, has evoked memories of the deadly SARS virus, which also originated in China in 2002 and went on to kill 774 people in 17 countries.
Medical historian Mark Honigsbaum told City News: “Until 2002, we certainly hadn’t seen a coronavirus like SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that caused very severe illnesses and fatal pneumonia in some people.
“That’s what was new, scary and different about SARS.
“One of the tragedies of the SARS epidemic is that we didn’t develop a vaccine, we didn’t even find any effective treatment.
“So right now there is no drug and no vaccine for this new coronavirus.”
Further flights to China cancelled
British Airways has extended the cancellation of all its flights to and from mainland China up to and including 29 February due to the coronavirus.
The airline said: “We are contacting customers on cancelled flights so we can discuss their travel options, including re-booking onto other carriers where possible, full refunds or booking with BA for a later date of travel.
“Customers can also find the latest information and options on BA.com.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do and we will keep the situation under review.”
Submitted Article
HeadlineUncertainty over Brits in coronavirus-stricken Wuhan
Short HeadlineBritish nationals face uncertain wait in Wuhan
StandfirstOver 7000 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed across the world
Published Article
HeadlineCoronavirus: Evacuation flight for Britons confirmed by Foreign Office
Short HeadlineEvacuation flight for Britons rescheduled
StandfirstThe World Health Organisation (WHO) is due to meet today to discuss whether the coronavirus outbreak should constitute a global health emergency.
Britain and China remain locked in talks over plans to evacuate British nationals from Wuhan, the city at the centre of the recent coronavirus outbreak.
A flight had previously been arranged to bring British nationals home today, however the Foreign Office have now said that this will not happen, with no departure date having been confirmed.
There are believed to be around 200 British nationals currently stranded in Wuhan, awaiting further information on their planned flight home.
The virus is now present in every single region in China, following the discovery of a case in Tibet, with over 7000 people now having been infected with it in the country.
The virus, which has so far killed over 100 people, is believed to have spread to at least 15 other countries, including Germany, Vietnam and Japan. However, there have been no confirmed cases in Britain as yet.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is due to meet today to discuss whether the outbreak should constitute a global health emergency.
The recent outbreak, which is believed to have started over the turn of the year, has evoked memories of the deadly SARS virus, which also originated in China in 2002 and went on to kill 774 people in 17 countries.
Medical historian Mark Honigsbaum told City News: “Until 2002, we certainly hadn’t seen a coronavirus like SARS that caused very severe illnesses and fatal pneumonia in some people.
“That’s what was new, scary and different about SARS.
“One of the tragedies of the SARS epidemic is that we didn’t develop a vaccine, we didn’t even find any effective treatment.
“So right now there is no drug and no vaccine for this new coronavirus.”
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said: “We are pleased to have confirmation from the Chinese authorities that the evacuation flight from Wuhan airport to the UK can depart at 5am local time on Friday 31 January.
“The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. Our embassy in Beijing and consular teams remain in close contact with British nationals in the region to ensure they have the latest information they need.”
There are believed to be around 200 British nationals currently stranded in Wuhan, who will be pleased to here that there is now official confirmation they can return home.
The coronavirus is now present in every single region in China, following the discovery of a case in Tibet, with over 7,000 people now having been infected with it in the country.
The virus, which has so far killed over 170 people, is believed to have spread to at least 15 other countries, including Germany, Vietnam and Japan. However, there have been no confirmed cases in Britain so far.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is due to meet today to discuss whether the outbreak should constitute a global health emergency.
The recent outbreak, which is believed to have started over the turn of the year, has evoked memories of the deadly SARS virus, which also originated in China in 2002 and went on to kill 774 people in 17 countries.
Medical historian Mark Honigsbaum told City News: “Until 2002, we certainly hadn’t seen a coronavirus like SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that caused very severe illnesses and fatal pneumonia in some people.
“That’s what was new, scary and different about SARS.
“One of the tragedies of the SARS epidemic is that we didn’t develop a vaccine, we didn’t even find any effective treatment.
“So right now there is no drug and no vaccine for this new coronavirus.”
Further flights to China cancelled
British Airways has extended the cancellation of all its flights to and from mainland China up to and including 29 February due to the coronavirus.
The airline said: “We are contacting customers on cancelled flights so we can discuss their travel options, including re-booking onto other carriers where possible, full refunds or booking with BA for a later date of travel.
“Customers can also find the latest information and options on BA.com.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do and we will keep the situation under review.”
The unique Lambeth mural, created and maintained by bereaved volunteers for the past five years, is being made a permanent tribute to honour the lives lost during the pandemic.
