Concerns are growing in Tenerife as the MV Hondius cruise ship approaches following a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
Spanish authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have approved plans for passengers aboard the MV Hondius to disembark in Tenerife this weekend after several hantavirus cases were reported during the voyage. Three passengers were previously evacuated in Cape Verde due to illness.
Dock workers in Tenerife staged protests outside the Canary Islands parliament, demanding stronger safety measures and clearer health information before the ship arrives. Some workers threatened to block the vessel unless authorities guarantee proper protection protocols.
Spain’s government said the ship will not dock directly in residential areas. Instead, passengers will be transferred offshore to the industrial port of Granadilla before being repatriated or quarantined. Officials insist local residents face “no health risk” and say strict monitoring measures are in place.
The hantavirus outbreak has revived memories of the Covid-19 pandemic among many island residents, while political tensions have also emerged over how the situation is being handled. The WHO has repeatedly stated that the outbreak is not considered the start of a global pandemic.
Authorities say health protocols remain active as Tenerife prepares for the ship’s arrival this weekend.
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