Hantavirus latest: First plane carrying cruise ship passengers leaves Tenerife in ‘unprecedented’ evacuation
The first plane carrying passengers from the hantavirus-struck cruise ship the MV Hondius has left the island of Tenerife, where the ship has anchored.
Spanish citizens have been transferred to a plane to be taken to Madrid for isolation, with evacuation of other nationals to follow.
The country’s health officials described the situation as “unprecedented” on Sunday morning as it confirmed all passengers remain asymptomatic.
Passengers are boarding sealed-off buses to the island’s main airport, about 10 minutes away, to board repatriation planes for heading to their respective countries.
The 22 British passengers on board are expected to be flown back to the UK the same day. It is understood they will be tested on the ship before they disembark and will then be taken directly from the ship to the plane.
On arrival, they will be taken to a hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for “clinical assessment and testing”, health officials said. They will be held for 72 hours, after which specialists will decide whether they can isolate at home or another suitable location.
The ship’s arrival has been met with protest on the island, as residents fear possible exposure to the virus.
