A FLIGHT carrying 83 British people and 27 foreign nationals from coronavirus-hit China has landed at Brize Norton.

The aircraft left Wuhan at 9.45am local time on Friday and touched down at the RAF base in West Oxfordshire at 1.30pm today.

Ambulances joined the plane on the runway, and passengers -including small children - began disembarking just before 2pm. 

Passengers walked down the stairs onto the runway wearing masks, and the first to leave appeared to be a young family.

It comes as two cases of the virus were confirmed in Engand this morning - read more here.

Oxford Mail:

Oxford Mail:

Touchdown at RAF Brize Norton. Pictures: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

The outbreak has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation. 

Two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty said.

Roads around the air base are closed for public safety - Station Road, Manor Road and Carterton Road - until 6pm.

RAF Brize Norton declined to comment when contacted. 

While none of the people on the plane are confirmed to be infected with the deadly disease, they will be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral for 14 days.

Oxford Mail:

Coaches enter RAF Brize Norton this morning ahead of the flight's arrival. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

There were widespread reports that the flight was heading for Brize Norton, but when the Oxford Mail contacted the airbase yesterday, a spokesperson said the reports were 'purely speculation'.

Some Oxfordshire residents have expressed concern about the potential arrival of the virus so close to home.

ALSO READ: Oxfordshire tourist attractions 'monitoring' coronavirus situation

Writing on Facebook, one mum who said she was 'just up the road' from the base said: "What about the pilots that could potentially become infected and the staff caring for them when they get to the hospital? 

"Not only am I scared for mine and my children’s lives I’m scared for the people caring for these people coming in.

"That’s me not sleeping for the next couple of months and becoming a recluse."

However, another wrote: "This is purely a precautionary measure. Nothing to fear - it is not like they are going to stop off for lunch."

ALSO READ: 'Talented' chef spared jail for knife threat at club

Hours before the flight left, Chinese officials confirmed that the death toll from the virus outbreak had risen by 43 overnight to 213.

The country, where all of the fatal cases of the coronavirus have occurred, recorded 9,692 cases as of Friday.

Those on board today will make their way in convoy to an NHS staff accommodation block in the Wirral, with access to the internet.

Anyone with 'suspicious symptoms' will be transferred to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, which has a high-level infectious diseases unit. 

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement: "It's welcome news that our evacuation flight has now left Wuhan.

"We know how distressing the situation has been for those waiting to leave. We have been working round the clock to clear the way for a safe departure. The welfare of those trapped and public safety have been our overriding priorities."

Oxford Mail:

The NHS accommodation at Arrowe Park. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

After landing at Brize Norton, the chartered aircraft will continue to Spain, where the 27 non-British nationals on board will be processed by their EU home governments. 

Some Britons in Wuhan had declined to join the repatriation flight after being told any Chinese nationals in their family would be unable to join.

That decision was reversed hours before the plane was due to depart, leaving it too late for some to make it to the airport.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the UK Government will send another plane to Wuhan to rescue British citizens if necessary.