Howard Springs residents react to coronavirus evacuees

Some Howard Springs businesses and residents say they welcome the evacuees from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, saying there is slim chance of impact on the wider community.

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Some Howard Springs businesses and residents say they welcome the evacuees from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, saying there is slim chance of impact on the wider community.

A flight landed in Darwin on Sunday carrying 266 passengers from the Chinese city, made up of 252 Australian citizens and residents (84 under 16 years old), six Australia consular staff and eight students from Pacific Island countries and include.

They are now under quarantine at the Manigurr-ma Village, also known as the former Inpex workers’ camp and will be there for 14 days.

Domenic Campisi says he thinks the risk of a coronavirus outbreak in Howard Springs to the Wuhan evacuees is low. Picture: Che Chorley

In a statement on Sunday the Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said none of the evacuees had shown symtoms on the flight.

Howard Springs resident Domenic Campisi said it didn’t concern him the evacuees were being quarantined so close to Howard Spring’s shops and the school.

“I think the risk is really low, I worry about medical staff or cleaners or whoever might be in close proximity,” he said.

“The potential is people are quarantined but if staff then go home to their normal life, they’re not quarantined. I guess there’s a small risk.”

Evacuees from Wuhan Province in China arrive via bus to the Maingurr-Ma Camp, Howard Springs. Picture: Che Chorley

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He said while he felt for the evacuees they would be comfortable at the Manigurr-Ma workers camp.

“It’s a good facility, it’s not very old, as far as I know it’s in pretty top shape,” he said.

“I think they’ll be pretty comfortable there, it’s not like being in a prison.”

Howard Springs IGA manager Jerry Lay said it didn’t bother him the evacuees were in Howard Springs but others in the community may not feel the same.

“It doesn’t pose as a problem if it’s not contagious, if they are quarantined in a safe area there’s minimal chance of locals contracting the illness,” he said.

“It’s a bit close to the school, school parents are probably concerned and teachers as well, you feel for them because of the proximity.”

Mr Lay agreed the evacuees would at least be comfortable in Howard Springs.

“It could be worse like the Princess Cruise,” he said.

“They could be stuck at sea with 60 on board sick.”