5.33°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

punjab-extends-winter-break-for-schools-amid-cold-and-dense-fog
IndiaDec 31, 2025

Punjab extends winter break for schools amid cold and dense fog

The Punjab government has extended winter holidays for schools across the state as severe cold conditions and dense fog continue to affect daily life. The decision applies to all government, aided, recognised and private schools in Punjab. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the move was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the health and safety of students and school staff being given top priority. Schools will now remain closed until January 7 and will reopen as usual from January 8.In a post shared on social media platform X, Bains said prolonged cold w
AlbertaDec 31, 2025

Water main break in northwest Calgary strands drivers, prompts new water restrictions

Calgary residents are facing renewed water restrictions after a major water main break overnight flooded a busy northwest interchange, trapping vehicles and forcing emergency rescues. The rupture occurred near the intersection of 16th Avenue NW and Sarcee Trail, close to Canada Olympic Park, an area that serves as a key commuter route. Fire crews were called in to rescue 13 people from vehicles surrounded by freezing water as the break sent water rushing across the roadway. Police closed the interchange, and city officials say the road will remain shut while crews assess damage and begin repai
three-charged-with-first-degree-murder-after-fatal-shooting-in-brampton-plaza
BCDec 31, 2025

Three charged with first-degree murder after fatal shooting in Brampton plaza

Peel Regional Police have charged three men with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting near a busy shopping plaza in Brampton earlier this week. Investigators say the incident occurred near Shoppers World on Main Street and appears to have been targeted. Police were called to the area around 7:02 p.m. on Monday after reports of gunfire. Officers found a 25-year-old man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators allege the victim was driving out of the plaza when several suspects approached his vehicle and opened fire. After sever
carney-calls-for-unity-and-reflection-in-new-years-eve-message
CanadaDec 31, 2025

Carney calls for unity and reflection in New Year’s Eve message

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his New Year’s Eve message to reflect on what he described as a challenging year for Canada, while urging Canadians to carry a sense of unity and care into 2026. As the country prepared to welcome the new year, Carney said 2025 offered moments of joy and connection, shaped by the people and communities that support one another across the country. He encouraged Canadians to take time to reflect on those personal and collective experiences. At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged the difficulties Canada faced over the past year, saying it brought more
missing-north-vancouver-teen-found-dead-in-vancouver-police-investigate
BCDec 31, 2025

Missing North Vancouver teen found dead in Vancouver, police investigate

A 16-year-old girl who was reported missing from North Vancouver has been found dead inside a Vancouver home, prompting a joint investigation by major crime and forensic teams. Vancouver police say officers were called to a residence near East Pender Street and Renfrew Street shortly after 9 a.m., where the teen was discovered deceased. The girl had been reported missing the previous day, and North Vancouver RCMP had already launched a missing person investigation before the discovery was made. Authorities have not released the teen’s identity, and the cause of death has not yet been determi

Related News