26.52°C Vancouver 26.52°C Vancouver
Feb 4, 2020 5:37 PM -
The federal government has notified Canadians waiting to be evacuated from Wuhan, China that they will be flown back to Canada later this week.
The Canadian Press has obtained a copy of a letter sent to Canadians and permanent residents currently in the city that is the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The letter says a flight will depart from Wuhan's international airport early Thursday morning although no time has been given. It also says that due to high demand, the government can't guarantee that everyone who is eligible will be able to board the plane.
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has said 304 Canadians have asked for assistance to return home but only 280 have Canadian passports. Ottawa has said that upon arrival in Canada, the evacuees will be quarantined at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton for 14 days.
