A second plane chartered by the Government of Canada of Canadians fleeing the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak has landed at CFB Trenton.
The 188 people on board will join the 213 Canadians currently under quarantine at the military base in Trenton. Those Canadians arrived last week, and so far have shown no signs of the virus that has now killed more than 1,000 people in mainland China.
"Canada is very concerned by the outbreak -- and is closely monitoring its spread," said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francois-Philippe Champagne. "The government is pleased to have welcomed home more than 400 Canadians and their family members who had been quarantined in the region of Hubei Province."
The World Health Organization (WHO) said 24 countries have reported cases, but no new ones over the past 24 hours. Officials confirmed just one death outside China.
CNN reported 43,090 confirmed cases worldwide.
NBC News reported Tuesday morning that the coronavirus has been issued an official name by the WHO, COVID-19. It stands for the coronavirus that was discovered in 2019.
The coronavirus is named after its shape which resembles the corona of a star. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
The passengers were thoroughly assessed by quarantine officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada soon after the plane landed, and they also show no signs of the novel coronavirus.
Tuesday's flight is the last planned from Wuhan, China. However, the government has told Canadians living outside Hubei province whose presence is not considered essential to consider leaving.
Over the next 14 days, the evacuees will undergo medical assessment and observation to ensure when they rejoin the general public, they do not spread the virus.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low in Canada.
Since February 4, Canada has sent approximately 16 tonnes of personal protective equipment, including clothing, face shields, masks, goggles, and gloves to China.
Minister of International Development Karina Gould also confirmed the government is giving the World Health Organization $2 million to help vulnerable countries prepare and respond to the outbreak.
"A coordinated response to contain and respond to the novel coronavirus worldwide is essential," she said.