16.71°C Vancouver

Feb 4, 2020 5:37 PM -

Canadians in Wuhan to be evacuated Thursday, government letter says

Share On
canadians-in-wuhan-to-be-evacuated-thursday-government-letter
Flight crew members wearing face masks walk through the international arrivals area at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. China counted 170 deaths from a new virus Thursday and more countries reported infections, including some spread locally, as foreign evacuees from China's worst-hit region returned home to medical observation and even isolation. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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.

Latest news

canada-could-face-5-c-warming-by-centurys-end-new-climate-report-warns
CanadaSep 04, 2026

Canada Could Face 5°C Warming by Century’s End, New Climate Report Warns

Canada could face significantly warmer and more extreme weather in the coming decades, according to the newly released second edition of Canada’s Changing Climate Report. The report projects that under a pathway broadly consistent with current global climate policies, Canada’s average temperature could rise by about 5°C by the end of the century compared with the 1850–1900 period. The report warns that much of Nunavut could experience more than 10°C of warming during winter, while glaciers in western Canada could lose more than 75 per cent of their mass. Heavy precipitation is also exp
stabbing-at-abbotsford-gas-station-parking-lot-leaves-49-year-old-man-seriously-injured
BCSep 04, 2026

Stabbing at Abbotsford Gas Station Parking Lot Leaves 49-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured

A 49-year-old man was seriously injured in a stabbing at a gas station parking lot in Abbotsford on Thursday evening. According to Abbotsford Police, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the 1900 block of McCallum Road. First responders attended the scene and provided medical assistance to the victim before he was taken to hospital in serious condition. Police later said the man’s injuries were not considered life-threatening. A 28-year-old suspect was arrested near the scene. Police said the suspect has a previous criminal history and is known to authorities. The motive behind the atta
BCSep 04, 2026

29-Year-Old Arrested After Three Suspected Fires Near Highway 99

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with three suspected fires reported along Highway 99 between Whistler and Squamish in B.C.’s Sea-to-Sky region. According to Sea-to-Sky RCMP, the incidents occurred on August 22. During their investigation, officers received information from witnesses about a person believed to be involved in the incidents. Police then located and arrested the suspect on arson-related charges. RCMP officers worked with the B.C. Wildfire Service, B.C. Conservation Officer Service and Natural Resource Officers as part of the investigation. Investigators say thr
AlbertaSep 04, 2026

Dogs Kill 11-Year-Old Boy, Owner Sentenced by Court

An Edmonton woman whose two Cane Corsos fatally attacked an 11-year-old boy in 2024 has been sentenced to two years of house arrest. Crystal McDonald was found guilty in May of criminal negligence causing death in the killing of Kache Grist. Along with the two-year house arrest sentence, McDonald must complete 200 hours of community service and is banned from owning dogs for life, although she can appeal the lifetime ban after 10 years. Kache, who lived with his mother in B.C., was visiting his father, Wesley Grist, in Edmonton’s Summerside neighbourhood during Spring Break. At the time, Wes
vancouver-police-officer-kal-dosanjh-charged-with-9-counts-of-fraud-theft-and-breach-of-trust
BCSep 04, 2026

Vancouver Police Officer Kal Dosanjh Charged with 9 Counts of Fraud, Theft and Breach of Trust

Vancouver Police Department officer Kalwinder “Kal” Dosanjh has been charged with nine serious offences, including fraud, theft and breach of trust, following an investigation conducted by his own department. Dosanjh is also the founder and CEO of KidsPlay Youth Foundation, a Surrey-based non-profit organization that works to keep young people away from drugs and gang involvement. Another individual, Sarbjit Singh Gill, has also been charged as a co-accused in the case. According to the B.C. Prosecution Service, the nine charges against Dosanjh relate to incidents spanning several years. T

Related News