"Absolutely no risk" of Wuhan evacuees spreading coronoavirus in Milton Keynes, says Public Health Minister

Ms Churchill has also reassured local people that the arrangement poses "absolutely no risk" to them or their families,

A plane filled with 105 British citizens and and 95 European nationals took off on Saturday night from Wuhan, the epicentre of the disease in China.

The government arranged for them to be evacuated to the Kents Hill hotel and conference centre in Milton Keynes, where they be monitored for signs of coronavirus.

Ms Churchill said; “I want to extend my gratitude to everyone on the ground here in Milton Keynes who has worked so hard to enable the safe transportation and accommodation of British nationals arriving from Wuhan."

She added: “All passengers will now be isolated for 14 days under the careful supervision of medical professionals and we are taking tried and tested infection control measures to prevent any possible spread of infection.

“The cooperation of local residents, MPs and community leaders has been crucial in enabling us to help and house these vulnerable individuals during a difficult time – and I am sure the generosity showed by the local community in Milton Keynes is appreciated by all those now those now staying in the facility.

“I want to reassure every that this arrangement poses absolutely no risk to them or their families."

Milton Keynes Council staff have worked throughout the weekend to help accommodate the new arrivals.

Council leader Pete Marland told the Citizen: ""We wanted to ensure that our visitors have as comforting a welcome as is possible."

He added: "We are reassured by public health colleagues that the risk to our communities is very low and we will continue to work with our partners as we are needed,"

However, many people in MK are still sceptical about the risk factor and have taken to social media to express their fears that the move could bring the disease to the city.