200 Zambians Trapped In Wuhan, The Epicentre Of The Coronavirus Outbreak

The Zambian Embassy in China has made a statement saying there are 200 Zambian students currently stuck in Wuhan, the epi-centre of the Coronavirus outbreak. It is currently unknown when they will be able to return. The embassy further added that all residents of Hubei Province, where the students are residing, cannot leave the province until further notice.

“However, if anyone insists to leave Wuhan or other cities in Hubei province, they will be required to be quarantined for 14 days before leaving the province in order to limit the spread of the disease” says Zambian Ambassador to China Mrs. Winnie Natala Chibesakunda.

Mrs. Chibesakunda further added that guidelines have been issued to Zambian students across China on the safety measures announced by Chinese authorities and advising them to report any suspected case of the virus among the Zambian community.

“The Chinese Government has assured that the outbreak is manageable and therefore there is no need for evacuation of foreigners from China. Further, foreign envoys have been assured of support from provincial governments to their nationals in case of emergencies. In this regard, the authorities have provided hotlines for any emergency that may arise among foreigners in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province. The Mission has since shared the hotlines with our students along with relevant contacts of Zambian Mission staff.
Further, the Mission has been informed by Chinese authorities that opening of schools for the Spring Semester will be postponed until further notice. In this regard, the Zambian students currently at home are encouraged to stay in touch with their universities, the student leadership and the Mission for further,” she said.