Coronavirus: UK withdraws some staff from China Embassy

The United Kingdom is withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China due to the coronavirus outbreak as confirmed in a statement released on Saturday, February 1.

The statement added that essential staff needed to continue critical work will remain in the country.

UK authorities, however, noted that the ability of the British Embassy and Consulates to provide assistance to British nationals within China may be limited if the health condition in the country deteriorates further.

The statement reads in part;

“As of 31 January, some staff and dependants from the British Embassy and Consulates are being withdrawn from China. Essential staff needed to continue critical work will remain,” the statement read.

“In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the British Embassy and Consulates to provide assistance to British nationals from within China may be limited.”

This is coming after the United States government asked family members of embassy staff in China under the age of 21 to leave the Asian country.