NEWS that around 100 people returning to the UK today from Wuhan after the outbreak of coronavirus will be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital has prompted a mixed reaction from our readers.

The news was confirmed by Janelle Holmes, chief executive of Wirral University Hospital, in a message to staff last night.

Those returning to England will be housed in the former student accommodation block at Arrowe Park for two weeks as a precautionary measure.

Their flight set off from Wuhan city last night and is due to arrive at RAF airbase Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire this afternoon.

The news prompted 100s of messages on the Globe's Facebook page.

Among them was Terry Kilty, who said: "They should have been quarantined in China for two weeks before being returned to the uk. Why take the risk of spreading it across the globe.

"There's aircrew involved as well as the army medics having to fly with them ... besides that the NHS is already stretched to the limit!"

Suzanne Worrall added: "This is going to be awful, certainly us all will be afraid to go out, masks on faces, this is scary."

Carol Kay:"They are being quarantined. Why is it scary?"

Jonathan Williams: "Some of these comments are embarrassing and I think a few of you have watched too many episodes of The Walking Dead.

"Royal Liverpool Hospital has dedicated isolation wards that would be used if any of the returning Brits are infected.

"Currently none of them are showing signs of being infected and so housing them (for two weeks) in hospital accommodation 20 minutes away from Royal Liverpool seems to be a fairly logical decision.

"They need to be housed somewhere and what better place than a hospital (better than other suggestions like army barracks).

"They aren't going to be roaming the streets coughing in people's faces."

Tracy Samuel Richards said: "They should be put in an army base away from public. They're not ill yet so don't need hospital. This is all wrong."

Joanne Matthews said: "Who's say that Arrowe Park staff are going to be treating them?

"If the reports are correct and it's military medics travellng with them, they will probably continue the care of the evacuated.

"They dealt with Ebola out in the field and are more than capable of treating/monitoring patients.

"Not that anyone else would would consider that all sides will be away from home."

Mary-Jane Brookfield said: "They're not having any symptoms of the virus, it's just a precaution folks, don't panic."

Megan Johnson: "That site is used as overspill for NICU and peds when Ronald McDonald is full. It's not a special quarantine building."

Alison Parker: "These people are being flown across how many countries to land at RAF Brize Norton to be bussed across how many counties to Wirral?

"Surely Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine can't be the only one of its kind in the UK. Or is it that Wirral is a peninsula and easily isolated?"

Mando Lar Fitzjohn: "Seriously people ... they don't have the virus and it 100% is not in the hospital. These are healthy people who have been in china in the affected area but are not affected themselves.

"So they are going in to quarantine for two weeks to make sure they don't develop any symptoms and they are being cared for by the army, not Arrowe Park Hospital staff".

The message from Janelle Holmes, chief executive of Wirral University Hospital read: "You will be aware of the current situation in Wuhan City, China and the novel coronavirus outbreak.

"As a precaution they will remain in isolation for 14 days following their arrival in the UK.

"We will be welcoming and housing them in the accommodation block at Arrowe Park Hospital.

"Before arrival they will be screened for symptoms.

"If anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols."

While they are being monitored they will have access to medical staff, and it is understood they will have the internet and be able to make contact with family.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Pat Hackett, said: "A flight has been arranged to bring British nationals back to the UK and will land back in the UK later today.

"Those on board will be housed, temporarily, in the accommodation block at Arrowe Park Hospital.

"This is a separate building and is not a hospital ward.

"All services in the hospital are running as usual including emergency services, outpatients and planned surgery.

"Staff working in the hospital will not be in contact with these UK citizens.

"As the local council, we are supporting the Department of Health and NHS in any way we can.

"We understand this is a stressful time for the people on the flight, but also their families.

"After a very long journey, we welcome them to our borough and trust they will be comfortable during their time here."