KQ suspends flights to Guangzhou over Coronavirus outbreak

The Kenya Airways (KQ) has suspended its flights to
Guangzhou China, over the coronavirus outbreak.

In a press statement sent o newsroom on Friday Morning, the
national carrier said all flights to and fro Guangzhou have been cancelled
until further communication.

“Further to our communication regarding the current
outbreak, we have temporarily suspended all flights to and from Guangzhou
starting Friday January 31, 2020 until further notice,” read the statement in
part.

The aircraft company further said it is still in consultation
with the health ministry and that of foreign affairs for further update to the
public.

The airline also clarified that it will continue flight
operations to Bangkok airport.

“We apologize to all our customers for the inconvenience and
reaffirm that the safety of our customers and staff remains our highest
priority,” said the carrier.

The coronavirus outbreak occurred in Wuhan city, spreading to
other sixteen cities in the country

On Sunday, the Chinese government issued a statement saying
that 80 people had died following the outbreak.

Further reports from the authorities showed that about 2,744
people had been infected as at Sunday.

The government placed Wuhan and other 16 surrounding cities on
lock down, isolating about 50 million people.

Earlier in the week, a Kenyan student from Guangzhou was
tested upon arriving at JKIA and suspected to have contracted the
coronavirus-like symptoms.

The student was isolated at the Kenyatta National Hospital,
with the government response on the matter coming at a low note.

On Thursday, Health ministry said it is in collaboration
with KQ to ensure that the matter is contained.