'They can't come to our cities': Karl Stefanovic likens Aussies stuck in Wuhan to 'nuclear waste'

Today host Karl Stefanovic has likened Australians trapped in Wuhan – the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus – to nuclear waste.

In an on-air interview with Dr Tony Bartone from the Australian Medical Association, who discussed the ongoing threat posed to Australia, Stefanovic offered support over the since-scrutinised decision to evacuate the 600 Australians from Wuhan to Christmas Island.

“They can't come into our cities, they can't come into our town, they have to make sure they're OK before they come in. Isn't Christmas Island a viable option?” he asked.

However Dr Bartone said there were facilities in Australia other than the Christmas Island Detention Centre that would be better suited for the task at hand, where the isolation could be performed “much more humanely”.

“As long as we follow proper procedures, we can keep them isolated from the rest of the community in much, much better facilities because it's really - you know, the droplet spread of infection can be managed and contained,” he said.

But Stefanovic likened the Australians set to be removed from Hubei to hazardous waste.

• 'Fast moving situation': Australian cities ranked among those most at risk of coronavirus

• 'It’s pretty scary': Aussie student stuck in Wuhan describes coronavirus ghost town

“It's like nuclear waste - what are you going to do with it?” he asked.

“What are you going to do with these people, who are coming out from China, this infected area?”

While there have been over 7000 confirmed cases, and 170 deaths – all in China, there is no indication any of the 600 Australians in Hubei Province have been infected.

However Stefanvoic’s fears stem from the prolonged incubation period where those with the virus may not show symptoms for up to 14 days.

But Dr Bartone said it was key to remember those being evacuated are “a group of vulnerable Australians who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in the epicentre of a significant outbreak”.

Christmas Island only option, Peter Dutton says

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton defended the decision on Today, claiming there were no other suitable facilities available.

"I can't clear a hospital in Sydney or Melbourne to accommodate 600 people. We don't have a facility otherwise that can take this number of people," he told the Nine Network on Thursday.

"I want to make sure that we keep Australians safe."

Mr Dutton said the plan was hatched in consultation with Australia's chief medical officer, who receives frequent advice from the World Health Organisation.

He also refuted claims the Western Australian government and Christmas Island representatives weren’t informed before Wednesday’s announcement.

Island leader tells prime minister to ‘get lost’

Christmas Island shire president Gordon Thomson said the decision will turn the island’s community into a “leper colony”.

“Christmas Island remains a colony and is yet again getting the old regressive colonialist treatment from the great colonial power. Get lost, Scotty,” he told the ABC.

Mr Thomson said he only learned of the decision while watching SBS.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese questioned the motivation for utilising Christmas Island.

"It's unclear whether that is motivated by a genuine belief that's the only option or embarrassment the government opened Christmas Island," he told ABC radio.

Australians in Wuhan have voiced their concerns over the plan, which involves those rescued contributing to the cost of the mission.

"Will I be treated as an Australian or as a detainee? I am in their hands and can only hope it will go smoothly," Australian Daniel Ou Yang said.

The 21-year-old, who was visiting family in Wuhan when the city was placed into lockdown, said he feared the conditions on the island.

Australian diplomats are continuing negotiations with Chinese authorities to ensure the operation can go ahead.

Mr Stefanovic’s remark comes a day after he clashed with Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan over the government’s advice to safeguarding children from the virus.

The number of deaths from coronavirus has soared to 170.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.