The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assisting with the repatriation of U.S. citizens living in Wuhan City back to the United States.
Approximately 240 U.S. citizens (including U.S. Consulate staff and families) are scheduled to fly from Wuhan back to the United States this week. The airplane will make a refueling stop at the Ted Stevens International Airport’s North Terminal. This terminal is currently not open to the public.
“Given Alaska’s proximity to Asia, we have been asked to assist our federal partners in this effort to facilitate travel out of China back to the United States to bring these U.S. citizens home,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy. “The State of Alaska, in combination with our local, federal and Tribal partners have been working closely to ensure the health and safety of all Alaskans while assisting with this request.”
Prior to departure from Wuhan, all passengers and flight crew will undergo health screenings by Chinese health officials and U.S. health officials. Anyone with signs or symptoms of illness will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
All passengers will continue to be monitored numerous times during the flight. Additionally, during the refueling stop, all passengers will be rescreened by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Anchorage Quarantine Station personnel. Any passengers who become ill en route will be further evaluated.
“We are thankful to our local, Tribal and federal partners for their strong coordination in this effort to help these U.S. citizens return home during this rapidly progressing outbreak,” said DHSS Commissioner Adam Crum.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) continues to monitor the ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus (“2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, China in late December 2019. As of Jan. 26, 2020, the World Health Organization is reporting 2,014 cases and 56 deaths associated with the outbreak.
Great that Americans are being evacuated from China. Not so great that they will stop over here. If it’s serious enough to evacuate our people, it’s pretty damn serious. Seems like those evacuees would enjoy an all expense paid vacation (quarantine) on a remote island for a couple weeks (longest estimated incubation period). The virus is supposed to be undetectable in those infected with no symptoms yet. There’s no test that will immediately detect it in those infected with no early symptoms, even though it’s extremely contagious in all stages. The virus is allegedly airborne. That means you could be 50 ft. or more away (downwind) and still become infected. Taking unnecessary chances is for game shows, not survival of an entire population. The truth needs to be released, along with recommendations on combating contagion, infection and treatment.
In the meantime, Alaskans/Americans, even if you don’t believe it, being “safe” is way better than being “sorry”. Stash away a few items for possible emergencies. You can always use it later if you don’t need it now. Not trying to alarm anyone, but doesn’t it make sense to have some “back up”? Food and water, mainly. A person/family could benefit in all types of scenarios with a little redundant food and water supply.
No need to overreact – Everything is going to be A-OK – Go back to sleep.
These people should have stayed there in quarantine. I’ve seen the videos people are dying out of nowhere with no symptoms! Very foolish!
One should have supplies before any events .
Those face masks should be in your volcano burps and blow outs and wild fire smoke.
Vodka in a spray bottle is great for eating and cooking surfaces. Cutting boards …it kills stuff and safe to consume some sprays are not safe to accidentally consume.
Really Alaska is a good place to to isolate people very limited compared to others states but Hawaii for leaving.
Military infrastructure in place
An empty prison yet not perfect but it could be done.
I hope they do hold them here for two weeks … It’s not wise to risk a pandemic event when containment is possible.
What is the problem with mandatory 2-week quarantine for travelers arriving in the U.S.?
.
Lunacy like “…passengers will be rescreened by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Anchorage Quarantine Station personnel.” protects no one.
.
This stupidity invites pandemic spread by infected, asymptomatic passengers.
.
Imagine what’ll happen to Anchorage residents when 2019-nCoV spreads to the city’s bums.
Folks, let’s keep it all in perspective.
Only 81 people have died from this strain of virus, where as 80,000 have died in 2018 from the influenza virus.
“Influenza killed about 80,000 people in the 2017-2018 season, according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The previous high for a regular flu season, based on analyses dating back more than three decades, was 56,000 deaths.”
(Wa post)
Steve,
Maybe you should apply for a job at Wa post, CNN or MSNBC. Try the stats on the ‘Spanish flu”, in 1917-18. Of course that was ten decades ago. Less people then too. Denial is not prevention. All gov’ts are downplaying this. They don’t want to panic the people.
Steve,
FYI
20 million died worldwide in 1917-18. Now, world population is probably 10 times as big, extensive air travel and the biological threat is much more extreme. Extrapolate the numbers and it will open every one’s eyes.
Steve, show a little respect for LeDoux voters, will you?
.
Just a little…
I do not understand this. According to many on the Left, all folks entering the US should be allowed to do so without interruption or inconvenience. What could possibly go wrong?
Why did Suzanne close commenting with her latest article?
Comments are closed.