China govt sends chartered plane for students in UK

The Chinese government on Thursday sent a chartered plane to London to pick up Chinese students.

Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu told a press conference in Beijing that due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, international passenger flights to China have been scaled down sharply.

Ma said most Chinese students abroad have chosen to stay where they are, and the government suggests they avoid the risk of being infected in the travels.

He added that some run into difficulties in the countries they are studying in and the government will make arrangements the bring them back.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.