The Italian foreign ministry has
drawn up plans to possibly evacuate Italians from Wuhan, the
Chinese city where the deadly new SARS-like coronavirus virus
was discovered.
The ministry was said to be thinking of an 'airlift' from
China to Italy, but Chinese authorisation would be needed.
Another hypothesis currently being studied is to bring them
out by land, on the condition that they will then agree to
remain under observation for a 14 day quarantine in a Chinese
hospital in a safe region, sources said.
There are at present some 50 Italians in Wuhan, and in the
surrounding Hubei region.
The Italian embassy in Beijing, liaising with the foreign
ministry's crisis unit, is in contact with all of them and is up
to date on their plans.
An Italian health ministry info line on the virus was boosted
on Monday with more information on the mystery bug and how to
avoid getting it.
Callers to the 1500 number will be given info in Italian,
English and Chinese.
Italy, like other countries, has urged citizens to avoid
unnecessary trips to China amid fears over the virus's rapid
spread.
The respiratory virus has infected thousands and killed 81
since it was discovered in Wuhan last December.
The Chinese government has sealed off Wuhan and neighbouring
cities, effectively trapping tens of millions of people -
including thousands of foreigners - in a bid to contain the
spread of the virus.
Its ability to spread appears to be "getting stronger" though
it is "not as powerful as SARS", top Chinese health officials
said.
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