The federal government says Canadians who have requested evacuation from the region of China hardest hit by the new coronavirus will undergo a two-week period of observation at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, upon arrival.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement on Sunday, “Our plan is focused on ensuring the health and safety of all Canadians”.
However, it still remains unclear when the 325 Canadians who have asked for government assistance will return home.
Global Affairs Canada said government officials and military personnel are currently en route to Hanoi, Vietnam, and in the process of obtaining visas from the Chinese government to enter Wuhan.
It said the government has chartered a plane to land in Hanoi and then head to Wuhan, where airspace is currently closed, once it gets approval from the Chinese government.
China officials reported earlier today that 361people have died on the mainland from the new virus, with an additional 2,829 new cases over the last 24 hours bringing the Chinese total to 17,205.
The first death from the coronavirus outside of China was reported yesterday–in the Philippines.
