The virus scare has seen many countries close their doors to visitors from China. — Reuters pic
BRASILIA, Feb 5 — Brazil’s lower house of Congress late today approved a bill laying out rules for the quarantine of Brazilian nationals returning from China who may be infected with coronavirus, as well as other measures to combat the disease.
The measures will be in force as long as the public health emergency declared by the World Health Organisation is in place.
Also today, Brazil obtained authorization from China to fly two planes to the city of Wuhan at the center of the new coronavirus outbreak to evacuate Brazilian citizens who asked to be repatriated.
Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo said two 36-seat Embraer C-190 planes flown by the Brazilian Air Force will leave on Wednesday morning and arrive in Wuhan on Friday after refueling stops en route.
Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo said 29 people, including four family members who are Chinese nationals, would be evacuated, as well other Brazilians who live outside Wuhan.
The passengers, medical staff and the crew of the planes will be quarantined for 18 days at an Air Force base in Anapolis, 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the capital Brasilia. — Reuters
