Evacuations to begin of Britons from virus-hit Chinese region

BRITONS in the coronavirus-hit Chinese province of Hubei could be flown home as early as tomorrow as the Foreign Office has warned against “all but essential travel” to the country.

The Foreign Office has yet to confirm details, but a teacher in Wuhan city said that UK citizens were being given details of forthcoming flights.

Those stuck in the city of Wuhan and surrounding areas have been urged to contact the British consulate before 11am today if they wish to leave.

More than 100 people have now died in China, with confirmed infections surging to more than 4,500.

Meanwhile, the FCO updated its travel advice to urge UK citizens to avoid the country, adding it may become more difficult for British nationals in other provinces to leave.

The Foreign Office added UK nationals in China should “make decisions based on their own personal circumstances” over whether to leave.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Due to the increasing travel restrictions and the public health situation, we now advise against all but essential travel to China.

“We are also working urgently to finalise arrangements for an assisted departure from Hubei Province for British nationals this week, and are in contact with people in Hubei to ensure they register their interest and that we can keep them updated.

“The UK continues to be guided by the latest medical advice about the coronavirus outbreak. The safety and security of British people will always be our top priority.”

China has imposed travel restrictions between its major cities while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has suspended all tour group companies’ activities to prevent further virus spread.