TOKYO – On Tuesday night, Japan evacuated its citizens trapped in the virus outbreak epicentre of Wuhan in a chartered flight as the virus death toll rose to claim 106 lives.
The Boeing 767 left Haneda airport in Tokyo a little after 8 pm (1100 GMT) on Tuesday and is scheduled to return back at 7.30 am on Wednesday.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that 200 passengers could be accommodated on the flight but 650 citizens were looking to head back home.
Additional flights to leave Wuhan by Wednesday were being arranged for. China is ready to allow for one more charter flight and measures for the Japanese citizens to reach Wuhan airport had also been arranged.
The scheduled flight departing Wuhan brought masks, protective suits and other items to support Chinese and Japanese nationals. A doctor and two nurses were also present on board to conduct medical checkups on those returning.
Symptomatic individuals would be sent to the hospital immediately after landing in Tokyo while the others could go home provided they avoided crowds and took their temperature twice a day.
Those who develop symptoms like cough, fever and sore throat later are asked to contact health officials.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.