The UK Government has worked with international partners to ensure the safe return of all remaining British nationals on board MV Hondius – the cruise ship which saw an outbreak of hantavirus, with passengers now safely transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital.
20 British nationals along with one German national, who is a UK resident, and one Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius are now being monitored at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral. Passengers left the ship in the Canary Islands on Sunday 11 May and flew to the UK on a charter flight. Within a 72-hour period, these passengers will receive clinical assessments and testing. The UK Government repatriated the Japanese passenger at the request of the Japanese Government and they will complete their isolation in the UK in line with UKHSA guidance.
Strict infection control measures were in place throughout the journey, with passengers, crew, drivers and medical teams all wearing necessary personal protective equipment such as face masks.
During the 72-hour period at Arrowe Park, public health specialists from UKHSA and infectious diseases specialists from the NHS will assess their current condition and determine where the passengers can suitably isolate. Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days upon their return, with regular testing and care provided by NHS and UKHSA. During their isolation period, passengers will have daily contact with UKHSA health protection teams to check on their wellbeing and ensure that they are supported to isolate safely. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given the appropriate support.
Two British men with confirmed cases of the disease are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while a third is being treated for a suspected case on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the ship stopped in mid-April.
UKHSA has worked with the public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to trace any individuals who had potential high-risk contact with cases and will remain in close contact with these individuals for 45 days from the potential exposure.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility. Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful. Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Ministry of Defence alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers. The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public.”