Everything is ready to carry out the repatriation of the passengers of the cruise ship ‘Hondius’ to 23 countries from Tenerife. This was confirmed by the Ministers of Health, Mónica García, and Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who reported that the ship’s arrival will be between 4 and 6 a.m. tomorrow Sunday (Canary Islands time). The first to be repatriated will be the 14 Spaniards and the WHO representative in Africa, who will also undergo quarantine at the Gómez Ulla hospital in Madrid, as he is considered a contact.
Marlaska and García assured that no one from the repatriation and logistics team, nor the health teams, will have any contact with the civilian population. Nor during the journey to the airport. In fact, they will not disembark from the ship until their plane is on the runway ready for takeoff, and no other vehicles will be allowed to pass during the transfer.
García stated that this is one of the most complex international operations carried out so far and expressed her “pride” that the World Health Organization (WHO) has “trusted” Spain to make it possible. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will be involved throughout the repatriation process.
The courts have approved the quarantine order for public health reasons at the Gómez Ulla hospital
The minister has confirmed that all passengers and crew of the cruise ship remain asymptomatic. All will be repatriated to their countries of origin, and 30 crew members will remain to take the ship to the Netherlands, with the body of the Dutchman who died from hantavirus.
The first to disembark will be the Spaniards and the WHO representative in Africa, who, after doctors verify they remain asymptomatic, will reach land in Spanish Army zodiac boats. From there, to the airport where the plane is already prepared for their transfer to Madrid and the Gómez Ulla hospital.
The courts have approved the order to carry out quarantine for public health reasons at the Gómez Ulla hospital for 7 days. This order must be approved weekly based on needs, García explains. Passengers and crew who are repatriated will leave their luggage on the ship. They are only allowed to carry one hand bag with essentials.
