Six individuals who were evacuated from the cruise ship impacted by a hantavirus outbreak have departed Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral to continue their isolation at home, as confirmed by health authorities.
Passengers Leave Hospital After Negative Tests
The passengers from the MV Hondius had been admitted to the Merseyside hospital, which previously served as the UK's initial Covid quarantine site, for evaluations by public health and clinical experts. Following their latest negative test results, these individuals are now permitted to leave the facility to complete their 45-day isolation period at home or in other suitable accommodation, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Travel arrangements for the departing passengers from Arrowe Park will be managed with public health protections in place at every stage of their journey, and health protection teams will continue to monitor and support them through daily contact, the agency stated.
Status of Other Passengers
Twenty-two passengers and crew have been isolating at Arrowe Park, comprising 20 British nationals, a German national who is a UK resident, and a Japanese national. All have tested negative and remain asymptomatic, according to the UKHSA. The agency has not disclosed how long the other passengers will remain at Arrowe Park.
Additionally, ten other Britons connected to the cruise ship outbreak are being transported to the UK from the British territories of St Helena and Ascension Island in the south Atlantic to complete their isolation as a precautionary measure. The UKHSA reported that a medic on Ascension Island had developed symptoms but tested negative. Further tests are being conducted to determine whether the symptoms are due to an unrelated illness.
UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer's Comments
Professor Robin May, the UKHSA's chief scientific officer, said: "Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension Island to repatriate British nationals who are now isolating on the island. Testing is under way to confirm the cause of illness for the person displaying symptoms, and we will take all necessary action to support this person and the wider island population while continuing to protect public health in England and UK overseas territories."
He added: "Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved. Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak. Our priority remains to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, wherever they complete their isolation, and our teams will continue to work closely with all of those affected by this outbreak."
Hantavirus Outbreak Details
Eleven hantavirus cases have been reported among people on the cruise so far, including three deaths. Nine of the 11 cases are confirmed, with two more probable cases.
