Arabic version: وصلت سفينة الرحلات إلى تينيريفي بعد تفشي فيروس هانتا

The MV Hondius cruise ship has arrived in Tenerife, Canary Islands, nearly a month after the first passenger died of the hantavirus on board. Intensive preparations have been under way for the ship’s arrival at the port of Granadilla, where more than 100 people are set to be repatriated. However, a security perimeter of one nautical mile was enforced around the ship as it approached the island to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to BBC News, the operation to manage the disembarkation involves collaboration from 23 countries and has been called “unprecedented” by Spain’s health minister. Increased security measures were implemented, including the presence of military police and disaster response teams at the port.

Medical teams were expected to board the ship to check for signs of the virus before passengers are divided by nationality and ferried to the coast. Charter planes are on standby to repatriate passengers, with medically-equipped aircraft available if isolation is needed.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the response to the outbreak, which has been linked to a landfill site in Argentina. While the virus is rarely transmitted between people, three cruise passengers have died, prompting health officials to urge the public to trust the safety measures being implemented.

Intensive care specialists are on standby at the Candelaria hospital in case any passengers require serious medical attention during the transfer. Although there was initial anger and concern from local residents regarding the ship’s arrival, many now express a sense of calm, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols as the situation unfolds.