Alexandar Sullivan:
Evacuations began Sunday from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship anchored off Tenerife after a hantavirus outbreak prompted an international health response.
Spanish passengers were the first to leave the vessel, followed by evacuation flights for passengers from France, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Greece, and other countries. Officials said more flights were expected through Monday, including for travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Australia, and nearby nations.
Health authorities said none of the more than 140 passengers and crew remaining on board had shown symptoms. However, protective gear was used during disembarkation, and passengers were allowed to carry only essential items.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the general public should not panic, stressing, “This is not another COVID.” Still, countries are arranging quarantine and daily health monitoring for returning passengers.
Three people have died since the outbreak, and five former passengers have tested positive. The ship is expected to continue to Rotterdam, Netherlands, for disinfection after evacuations are complete.
For more blogs, visit nyn.press
