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Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship Expected in Tenerife Amid Strict Quarantine Measures
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Disasters & Emergencies

Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship Expected in Tenerife Amid Strict Quarantine Measures

From Neue Zürcher Zeitung · (4h ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The cruise ship "Hondius," carrying passengers affected by a Hantavirus outbreak, is expected to arrive in Tenerife.
  • Strict quarantine measures and repatriation flights are in place for the nearly 150 people on board.
  • Authorities emphasize the low risk to the island's population, noting that the virus is not comparable to COVID-19.

Tenerife is bracing for the arrival of the cruise ship 'Hondius,' which has been at sea for 40 days following a Hantavirus outbreak among its passengers. The ship, set to dock early Sunday morning, carries nearly 150 individuals who will undergo stringent quarantine measures before being repatriated to their home countries via specially arranged flights. This marks the end of a prolonged and dramatic journey that began in Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1.

Ich kann bestätigen, dass die Rückführungsflüge nach Frankreich, Deutschland, Belgien, Irland und in die Niederlande bereits geplant sind.

— Fernando Grande-MarlaskaThe Spanish Interior Minister confirmed that repatriation flights for several European countries are already planned.

Spanish authorities, including Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Health Minister Mónica García, have assured that the return flights for German, French, Belgian, Irish, and Dutch passengers are already planned. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, directly addressed the people of Tenerife, emphasizing the minimal risk to the island's population. He confirmed that no new suspected cases have emerged on the 'Hondius' and that passengers will be transported directly from the port in sealed vehicles to their respective countries, with no contact with the local population.

Das Risiko für die Menschen auf der Insel sei gering, zumal auf der «Hondius» kein neuer Verdachtsfall aufgetreten sei.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusThe WHO chief assured that the risk to the island's population is low, as no new suspected cases have occurred on the ship.

Despite these assurances, local concerns persist, with some residents drawing parallels to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed his relief would only come once all passengers have left the island and the 'Hondius' has continued its journey. However, WHO Director Tedros reiterated that Hantavirus is not comparable to COVID-19, aiming to quell public anxiety.

Sie werden keinen Kontakt zu ihnen haben – ebenso wenig wie Ihre Familien.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusThe WHO Director reassured the population of Tenerife that there would be no contact between the arriving passengers and locals.

The 'Hondius' carries passengers and crew from 23 countries. While initial reports suggested a mid-single-digit number of German nationals, the ship operator, Oceanwide, confirmed six Germans are on board. The German authorities have yet to provide precise figures. The situation underscores the complex logistical and public health challenges involved in managing international health crises at sea and ensuring safe repatriation.

Er werde erst beruhigt sein, wenn alle Schiffspassagiere die Insel verlassen hätten und die «Hondius» ihre Fahrt in die Niederlande fortgesetzt habe.

— Fernando ClavijoThe President of the Canary Islands expressed his unease until all passengers have left the island.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Neue Zürcher Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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