Canary Islands: We will not let the ship with hantavirus dock

The Canary Islands' regional government has taken a firm stance against allowing the cruise ship "MV Hondius" to dock, citing concerns over a hantavirus outbreak among its passengers. This decision, spearheaded by regional leader Fernando Clavijo, overrides initial pressure from Spain's central government and international health organizations like the WHO and EU, which had called for the ship's acceptance based on humanitarian grounds and international law. Clavijo's refusal underscores a tension between national directives and regional autonomy, prioritizing the safety and reassurance of the Canarian population.

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Nors M. Van Kerkhove pirmadienį teigė, kad, remiantis ankstesniais protrūkiais, bendras viruso keliamas pavojus visuomenei yra nedidelis, antradienį PSO pranešė įtarianti, kad šįkart hantavirusas galėjo plisti tarp žmonių.

Clavijo explicitly stated that his decision was not based on technical criteria but on a lack of sufficient information to guarantee public safety. "I simply cannot allow the ship to enter the territory of the Canary Islands," he declared, reflecting a deep-seated concern for the well-being of the islands' residents. This move comes after Cape Verde initially refused the ship entry, leaving it stranded and seeking a safe harbor.

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Mūsų sprendimas neparemtas jokiais techniniais kriterijais, taip pat neturime pakankamai informacijos, kad galėtume nuraminti žmones ir užtikrinti jų saugumą

The situation is further complicated by evolving information regarding the hantavirus. While the WHO initially suggested the risk to the general public was low, they later indicated suspicion of human-to-human transmission in this specific outbreak. This uncertainty, coupled with the tragic deaths of three passengers and one critical case aboard the "MV Hondius," has fueled the Canary Islands' cautious approach. The regional government's decision highlights the complex challenges of managing international health crises when local concerns and perceived risks clash with broader humanitarian obligations.

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Tiesiog negaliu leisti laivui įplaukti į Kanarų salų teritoriją