Turkey to evacuate Georgian citizens from epicentre of a new coronavirus

Turkey will evacuate seven Georgian citizens, together with its 34, seven Azerbaijani and one Albanian citizens from Wuhan, Hubei province of China - the epicentre of the outbreak of the new coronavirus, Turkish media outlets report.

Georgia has already suspended direct flights with China and stated earlier this week that it would find ways how to evacuate it citizens from Wuhan.

• PM Gakharia: Georgia ready to respond to new coronavirus if need arises

The evacuated individuals will have to stay in isolation in Turkey for a while, under the observation of medics, to make sure they are healthy, Turkish media say. 

Georgian Ambassador to China has Archil Kalandia has not confirmed the information, telling the Georgian Public Broadcaster that the evacuation issue is being discussed. 

He said that the evacuation of Georgians by Turkey is also discussed. 

• The virus, which first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms mostly start with a fever, followed by a dry cough.
• It has already killed 170, with nearly 8,000 are infected, mostly in China.
• The virus has spread to all the regions of China and 16 other countries.
• No fatalities caused by the virus has been reported so far outside China.