Australia’s top doctor guarantees public safety: Chief Minister

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says people have no reason to worry about the potentially deadly coronavirus following the arrival of Wuhan evacuees at the Manigurr-ma Village.

Evacuees from Hubei Province in China arrive via bus at the Manigurr-Ma Camp, Howard Springs on Sunday. Picture: Che Chorley

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the personal guarantee of the Federal Government’s top doctor and already available information about coronavirus should be enough to assuage people’s concerns about the potentially deadly disease, following the arrival of Wuhan evacuees at the Manigurr-ma Village.

A Qantas plane yesterday delivered 266 Australian citizens and permanent residents to the Howard Springs facility from Wuhan – the Chinese city at the epicentre of the disease, in a move that has prompted concern from some community members.

Asked about his response to those concerns at a press conference this morning, Mr Gunner said people had no reason to worry.

“The Australian (Chief) Medical Officer has absolutely guaranteed the public’s safety,” he said.

“So if you’re out there and you’re worried, there’s a lot of information around now that will help ease your concerns, and the Australian Chief Medical Officer has given that guarantee.”

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Mr Gunner also said the Royal Darwin Hospital was equipped to deal with any cases of coronavirus should they occur among the evacuees.

“We’re all very comfortable with the facilities available at the Royal Darwin Hospital,” he said.

“We’ve got exceptional staff there, exceptional facilities, and they can accommodate any needs.”

The 266 evacuees who arrived on yesterday’s flight include 252 Australian citizens and permanent residents, six Australian consular staff and eight students from Pacific Island countries.