Brazil stands by China in combating coronavirus

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked China, which has been hit by the fatal coronavirus, saying he appreciated Beijing's cooperation evacuating Brazilians from Wuhan.

"We are grateful to the Chinese government for assistance in the withdrawal operation of our citizens in Wuhan," Bolsonaro tweeted Tuesday, adding that his administration has been following "China's efforts to contain the outbreak."

"Brazil is supportive of China in combating the epidemic, which represents a challenge for all," he said.

Civil House Minister Onyx Lorenzoni published the route of the evacuation plane Wednesday on Instagram. "Air Force's planes take off at 12 p.m. [0300GMT] to pick up Brazilians who want to return from Wuhan," he said.

The plane, which will fly through Europe to Brazil, is set to take off from Wuhan, the heart of the coronavirus, Friday and expected to arrive Saturday in Brazil.

Lorenzoni said 36 evacuees will be held in quarantine in the center-western city of Anapolis.

As the South American country does not have a quarantine law, the Bolsonaro government said it would declare a state of emergency, with the main concern for "not risking the entire Brazilian population."

Brazil's decision came Monday after Brazilians trapped in Wuhan voiced request to be evacuated Saturday with a six-minute YouTube video addressing Bolsonaro.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan in December, has risen to nearly 500, with more than 24,000 confirmed cases.

The virus is said to have been transmitted to humans from animals, particularly bats.

It has raised alarm worldwide, with cases reported across Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

Besides China, the virus has spread to more than 20 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain, and India.

Many countries have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan and other affected areas of China, placing them in isolated medical care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) last month declared the outbreak an international emergency.