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Plane carrying virus-stricken cruise ship passengers lands in UK
A charter flight brought 20 Britons evacuated from the hantavirus-hit HV Hondius to Manchester, where they will undergo 72 hours of quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital. The article also notes additional confirmed and suspected cases abroad and ongoing public-health measures in the UK and on the ship.
Why It Matters
The event highlights a cross-border public health response to hantavirus exposure on a cruise ship, including evacuation, quarantine, and international coordination to limit risk to the public.
Timeline
12 Events
On-arrival screening and housing arrangements
May 10, 2026
On arrival, evacuees will be screened and continuously assessed, and housed in self-contained flats with access to phones and clothing following disembarkation.
Rotterdam disinfection planned for HV Hondius
May 10, 2026
The Hondius will sail to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to undergo disinfection after repatriations.
Paratroopers parachute onto Tristan da Cunha
May 10, 2026
The UK MoD said the operation on Tristan da Cunha marked the first time the UK military parachuted in medical personnel to provide humanitarian support.
Suspected cases on Tristan da Cunha; island medical operation
May 10, 2026
Two suspected hantavirus cases, including a British man on Tristan da Cunha, were isolated on the island, where a team of six British Army paratroopers and two medical clinicians parachuted to provide care.
Blue protective gear observed as passengers board flights
May 10, 2026
Earlier on Sunday, some passengers could be seen clad in blue protective gear as they were bused from the Granadilla de Abona port to Tenerife South Airport.
Disembarkation and repatriation from HV Hondius
May 10, 2026
Most of those still aboard the Hondius disembarked on Sunday for repatriation to their home countries.
Other confirmed cases abroad
May 10, 2026
Two British nationals with hantavirus were being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa.
Official statement on public risk and hospital operations
May 10, 2026
The Ministry of Defence said the risk to the general public remains very low. Emergency services stated the NHS trust and Arrowe Park Hospital are operating as normal.
Post-quarantine plan described
May 10, 2026
After leaving Arrowe Park Hospital, the former passengers will be asked to self-isolate for a further 42 days as a precaution.
UK arrival arrangements announced for evacuees
May 10, 2026
Twenty Britons evacuated from HV Hondius arrived in the UK on a charter flight to Manchester Airport from Tenerife; they are to be isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral for 72 hours.
First hantavirus case confirmed; Britons in self-isolation
April 24, 2026
By April 24, 2026, the first hantavirus case had been confirmed. Two British nationals were self-isolating at home in the UK after disembarking the vessel at St Helena on 24 April.
HV Hondius journey begins
April 1, 2026
The HV Hondius began its journey in Ushuaia, Argentina, with about 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries reported to have initially been aboard.