The Minister of Health, Mónica García, has confirmed that the cruise ship MV Hondius, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, will arrive in Tenerife between 4:00 and 6:00 in the morning, where a large operation will be launched for the repatriation of asymptomatic passengers.
The plan will begin with Spanish citizens, who will be transferred to Madrid on an Army plane, and will continue in stages with the rest of the passengers, organized by nationalities as flights become available.
An international operation with 23 nationalities
On board the ship remain passengers of up to 23 different nationalities, which has forced the design of a complex device in coordination with national and international health authorities.
García has highlighted that it is “a source of pride” for Spain that the World Health Organization (WHO) has trusted the country to manage this operation.
Controlled landing with security measures
The ship will arrive at the port of Granadilla de Abona, where it will remain in the dock while the evacuation maneuvers are coordinated. From there, passengers will be transferred directly to their corresponding flights.
According to the minister's details, passengers will disembark with FFP2 masks and carrying only one closed bag with their basic belongings, following strict safety protocols.
Maximum protection throughout the process
All personnel involved in the operation will use personal protective equipment (PPE), as established by international protocols for this type of health situation.
The operation will be jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior, and will have the presence on the ground of Mónica García and Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who will travel to the Canary Islands.
International follow-up of the case
The device will also feature the participation of the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who will meet with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, within the framework of this operation.
The deployment seeks to guarantee a safe and controlled evacuation, in one of the most complex health operations of recent months.