Following the outbreak of Coronavirus, the United Kingdom is withdrawing some staff and consulates in China.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday, February 1.
According to the statement, the 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“As of 31 January, some staff and dependants from the British Embassy and Consulates are being withdrawn from China.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,”.
“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.”
Recall that the United States government asked family members of embassy staff in China under the age of 21 to leave the Asian country.