The Algerian government has made arrangements to repatriate nearly 40 citizens, mostly students, who are stranded in Wuhan, China, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The repatriation process is set to begin, with the citizens being quarantined at El Kettar hospital in Algiers. The hospital has been designated as a specialized infectious disease center, with all necessary preventive and curative measures in place.
Algerian Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid visited El Kettar hospital to inspect the facilities and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to handle potential coronavirus cases. He instructed hospital officials and medical staff to provide close monitoring and care to the repatriated citizens, while taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Algerian authorities have reserved compartments at El Kettar hospital to accommodate suspected coronavirus cases among the repatriated citizens. Benbouzid has assured that the citizens will not be deprived of family visits, while taking necessary precautions to prevent contagion. The hospital's director has confirmed that all necessary material and human resources are in place to accommodate the repatriated students.
On Thursday, Benbouzid inspected the epidemiological control device at Houari-Boumediene International Airport, where passengers from high-risk countries, including China, are subject to thermal camera screening. The minister was briefed on the control measures in place, which include screening passengers from ten daily flights from countries such as Dubai, Istanbul, Doha, Cairo, and Beijing.
According to the Algerian Press Service, passengers suspected of having coronavirus will be evacuated to El Kettar hospital in emergency cases. Travelers, especially those from China, undergo medical checks before boarding flights to Algiers, where they are also subject to further screening by Algerian health services.
Air Algérie has taken measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including equipping cabin crew with special suits, gloves, and masks, and conducting thorough cleaning of aircraft before and after each flight. The airline has also suspended all flights to and from China, except for the special flight to repatriate Algerian citizens.
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency, with 213 reported deaths and over 8,100 cases in China, and several cases reported in other countries. The Algerian government has taken swift action to prepare for potential cases, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune instructing the government to repatriate Algerian citizens from Wuhan.
Key points
- Algeria to quarantine repatriated citizens at El Kettar hospital
- Air Algérie takes preventive measures for flights to and from China
- WHO declares coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency
