The Chinese city of Wuhan was cordoned off because of the corona virus. Some of the residents were even locked in their homes. Since then, several Swiss have been stuck in the megacity. On Friday morning there was finally a glimmer of hope: “France has given its consent and you can get on the plane that was to leave Wuhan for France tonight,” the EDA wrote in a message to those affected, which is available in 20 minutes. Chinese relatives are also allowed to fly.
Anyone wishing to leave the country had to go to the French consulate in Wuhan in the afternoon. The Swiss would then be taken to the airport from there. However, shortly afterwards, the FDFA informed those affected that the flight had to be postponed for reasons of formality. One is now trying to fly out the Swiss on Saturday, says Fabienne Blaser, who lives in Wuhan, versus 20 minutes.
But even if the Swiss return to Europe, it will still take two weeks before they can cross the Swiss border: “Please take into account that you will be in quarantine for 14 days in France,” the letter says.
It is unclear whether Swiss people can even reach the consulate
Problems could arise even before departure. Because the Swiss have to go to the consulate independently. It’s not that easy: the city of Wuhan has banned most vehicles. “The risk of getting stuck on the way is high,” he quotes “Tages-Anzeiger” from a message from the Swiss embassy. Once the Swiss are on their way, it is also possible that they will not be able to return to their accommodation. The EDA wrote in its call on Friday morning that the French had managed to get to the consulate, which is why it should also be possible for the Swiss.
A total of twelve Swiss are stuck in China. On Thursday, the FDFA announced that it was in contact with various other countries and organizations to organize the return trip.
The Swiss would not be the first to be flown out. During the night of Friday, British citizens were able to leave Wuhan on an airplane. South Korea has also already flown out its compatriots.
(VRO)
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