South African citizens stuck in Wuhan as Free State quarantine site pulls out
As concerns mount following the identification of SA's first two novel coronavirus-infected patients this week, the 184 citizens stranded in Wuhan, China, remain in forced confinement.
In the past three weeks, passes allowing residents out to buy food and supplies have been withdrawn, doors of apartment blocks have been chained shut, and public transport has been halted. Military and police roadblocks have been erected throughout Wuhan, including the 85km route to the airport, with special permits needed to drive.
"The virus could end tomorrow or in three months. I don't know, but I know if I can get back to South Africa I have a 21-day timeline and then I am free." Sian Butterworth's taxi driver is completely covered in a hazmat suit while driving her to the airport for her evacuation flight. She is one of the first South Africans to be evacuated from Wuhan. A dual British South African national, she was evacuated on a UK government flight."We were told it would be within 10 days, but we don't know when it will happen. I'm ready for freedom now.
There are only a few taxis in operation, and, said Pittaway,"fares have jumped from the usual R120 to R1,600".
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