Following the disembarkation of the MV Hondius: What will happen now to the cruise passengers who were affected by a hantavirus outbreak?

The nightmare on the cruise ship is over. The complex operation to repatriate passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, affected by the hantavirus, is complete. Up to 150 people have begun flying back home aboard military and government planes from the Canary Islands, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended, although not mandated, a 42-day quarantine upon arrival. The 27 passengers who remained on board the MV Hondius disembarked this Monday at the Granadilla Port (Tenerife) after docking due to weather difficulties. The cruise ship has already sailed to Rotterdam with 27 remaining crew members. Finally, two flights to Eindhoven will be chartered for the last evacuees in the Canary Islands. The Spanish Minister of Health, Mónica García, stated that the disinfection of the Granadilla port will be carried out "in the coming hours," while celebrating the "mission accomplished." The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, will meet this Tuesday at the Moncloa Palace with the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and they will hold a joint press conference. The Minister of Health informed me that the Coast Guard has ordered the MV Hondius to be docked at the Granadilla Port for safety reasons, due to the change in weather conditions. The priority is that the operation is carried out with all guarantees. — Fernando Clavijo (@FClavijoBatlle) May 11, 2026 While some experts express concern, the WHO emphasizes that the risk to public health is low and urges people not to panic. The MV Hondius will undergo a thorough inspection and disinfection process to control rodents. Personnel involved in the operation will wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, respirators, gowns, and gloves.