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Ontario Airport Tapped To Repatriate Americans Returning From Wuhan
UPDATE: Ontario Airport is no longer on tap to repatriate Americans returning from Wuhan. Airport officials said late Tuesday the plane is now expected to land at nearby March AFB after a stop in Alaska. Read the latest >>
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is working closely with our federal, state, county and city partners to plan for the possibility of a flight carrying U.S. government officials and private citizens returning this week from Wuhan, China.
— FlyONT (@flyONT) January 27, 2020
Full statement: https://t.co/eeagDquLQP pic.twitter.com/jf35XkgDJR
We learned late Monday night that Ontario International Airport has been tapped to serve as a repatriation center for Americans being evacuated from Wuhan, China — the city at the center of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
A jet carrying as many as 240 U.S. consulate employees and others is scheduled to arrive at Ontario International Airport this week.
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Authorities say the plane will take off Wednesday and stop first in Alaska.
If anyone shows signs of infection, they won't be allowed to leave. Everyone will be checked again once they get to Ontario.
There have been five cases of novel coronavirus in the United States, including one each in L.A. and Orange counties. All patients had traveled in the Wuhan area.
San Bernardino County officials said in a statement that they are:
"Working closely with our state, city and [Ontario airport] partners to prepare for this possible repatriation, focusing on ensuring the arriving citizens are free of any illness before clearing them to proceed to their respective U.S. destinations, and protecting the San Bernardino County community from the possibility of exposure to any contagions."
To debunk some rumors from today's news, here are a few facts. Please follow @flyONT on Facebook and Twitter for the latest statements. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/CrlaZdBumj
— FlyONT (@flyONT) January 28, 2020
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