Coronavirus: Over 200 Australian evacuees flying home from Christmas Island

Following a 14-day quarantine period since their departure from Wuhan, evacuees are expected to return to Australia today.

Evacuees from Wuhan at the Christmas Island Australian Immigration Detention Centre. Source: AAP/Richard Wainwright

Three chartered flights are scheduled to leave Christmas island today, Monday, returning home the first group of evacuees from Wuhan, the city epicenter of coronavirus.

The island's detention center is hosting a group of 241 Australians who boarded on the government-chartered evacuation flight and another 36 who arrived two days later.

There have been no reported cases of coronavirus amongst the total 277 Australian citizens and permanent residents held on the island during the 14-day quarantine period.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed today's departure of over 200 Australians from the island during a press conference:

“I want to thank those who we’ve been patient and gone through that quarantine period[...]Of course having to go into a quarantine for 14 days is an inconvenience. But they understood why and I think they took that in good faith and they were well supported and I’m sure they’re looking forward to coming home and being with their families.”