22.68°C Vancouver

Jan 29, 2020 9:40 PM -

Expat family expecting baby soon hopes Britain can get them out of China

Share On
plane-arranged-to-fly-160-canadians-out-of-wuhan
Tom Williams along with his wife Lauren and son James are seen in this undated handout photo. Tom Williams is a British expat who has been living and working for about five years in Wuhan, which is the capital of Hubei province in China. His wife Lauren, who is from Langley, B.C., is about 35 weeks pregnant, he said in a telephone interview from Wuhan. He also has a two-and-a-half-year-old son, James, who was born in White Rock, B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Tom Williams *MANDATORY CREDIT*

A pregnant Canadian woman, her young Canadian son and Tom Williams, the child's British father, are the latest to share their concerns about getting out of Wuhan, the Chinese epicentre of an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus.

Williams says his wife is 35-weeks pregnant and his son is under three years of age, and the whole family is waiting for word about whether they will be allowed to depart Wuhan later today on a flight organized by the British government.

As they were waiting, the Canadian government announced it has arranged a plane to fly 160 Canadians out of Wuhan -- but details are still being worked out and there's no word if Williams and his family will be on it.

An outbreak of the novel flu-like respiratory illness began in Wuhan late last year, infecting more than six-thousand people and spreading to other countries, including Canada, although health officials here say the risk of transmission remains low.

Latest news

CanadaMay 28, 2026

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel health measures for visitors arriving from high-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over the spread of Ebola. In a joint statement, the three host countries said protecting the health and safety of residents and international visitors during the North American tournament remains a top priority. The measures follow a recent World Health Organization declaration warning that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread to neighbouring countries. According to the Worl
BCMay 28, 2026

Conservative MP introduces bill to repeal B.C. oil tanker ban

Conservative MP David MacKenzie, who represents Calgary Signal Hill, has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons seeking to repeal the federal oil tanker ban along British Columbia’s northern coast. Bill C-264 is currently at second reading. The federal restriction, which came into force in 2019, prohibits oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and certain petroleum products from loading or unloading along much of B.C.’s northern coastline. The legislation was introduced as part of federal marine and environmental protection measures. Speaking in the House
ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance
AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis
kewal-singh-dhillon-appointed-new-punjab-bjp-president
IndiaMay 28, 2026

Kewal Singh Dhillon appointed new Punjab BJP president

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed former Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new president of its Punjab unit, according to a letter issued by BJP national general secretary Arun Singh. The appointment was approved with the consent of the party’s national leadership and takes effect immediately, the letter said. Dhillon, who was previously associated with former Punjab chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, has remained active in Punjab politics for several years. The leadership change comes as the BJP continues efforts to strengthen its organizational presence in Punjab ahead of fu
daytime-knife-point-robbery-at-surrey-jewelry-store-under-investigation
BCMay 28, 2026

Daytime knife-point robbery at Surrey jewelry store under investigation

Surrey Police Service is investigating a daytime robbery at a jewelry store located in the Payal Business Centre in Surrey. Police say the suspect fled after stealing jewelry during the incident, which took place in the middle of the day. According to SPS media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ali Gales, officers were called to the area near 128 Street and 81 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a robbery at the business. Police said the suspect allegedly stole several pieces of jewelry from the store before fleeing the scene. Reports indicate jewelry being worn by the

Related News