British nationals evacuated from Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, have been taken to Kents Hill Park hotel and conference centre to spend 14 days in quarantine.
The 105 British nationals, 95 European nationals as well as 13 staff and medical professionals were taken by coach to the hotel and conference centre in Milton Keynes.
"During their time in Milton Keynes, the group will be regularly assessed by highly experienced healthcare professionals and will be provided with support to meet any social and emotional needs during their stay. All staff working at the facility will be wearing appropriate protective equipment at all times. Anyone showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) will be assessed and if appropriate undergo testing for the virus,” an NHS statement read.
"The local site has been chosen because it offers appropriate accommodation and other facilities for those coming back from Wuhan while they stay in Milton Keynes. It also allows their health to be regularly monitored and has the necessary medical facilities close at hand should they be required."
A 10ft fence was set up around the conference centre. A Milton Keynes University Hospital statement said the quarantine was taken “as a highly precautionary measure”.
Kents Hill Park is a purpose-built facility and one of the largest dedicated training and conference centres in the UK. There are more than 70 meeting rooms, 300 double and twin bedrooms, 450 parking spaces.
The hotel and conference centre is closed for business for the next two weeks, according to the Milton Keynes Citizen.
Quarantining hundreds of British citizens for a fortnight is unprecedented in modern times at this scale, the BBC stated.
The number of people in the UK testing positive for coronavirus now stands at eight.
The Department of Health has described the deadly respiratory condition as a "serious and imminent threat" to public health. The overall risk level to the UK is described as "moderate".
There are now more than 40,000 cases of coronavirus across the globe, with the death toll in China at 908.
NHS advice and latest information on the Coronavirus outbreak.
