09.05.2026 16:53
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reassured the local population with a statement regarding the 'MV Hondius' passenger ship, which lost 3 people to the hantavirus and is set to dock on the Spanish island of Tenerife. Ghebreyesus noted that this virus is not a new Covid-19 case, emphasizing that the public health risk is low. He also thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for accepting the ship.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a message to the local population regarding the passenger ship 'MV Hondius,' where three people died due to hantavirus, which is set to dock at Spain's Tenerife island. Ghebreyesus stated that the virus in question is not a new coronavirus (COVID-19) case and emphasized that the public health risk is low.
“THIS IS NOT A NEW COVID-19 CASE”
In his open letter to the people of Tenerife, Ghebreyesus expressed understanding of the concerns caused by the hantavirus carrying the Andes variant. Referring to the pandemic process in 2020, the WHO Director noted that the current situation does not mean a new COVID-19 outbreak and stated that the risk level for daily life and public health in Tenerife is low.
THREE PEOPLE DIED ON THE SHIP
Reminding that three people lost their lives due to the virus on the 'MV Hondius,' Ghebreyesus announced that there are currently no passengers showing symptoms on the ship. He also reported that a WHO expert is on board with necessary medical equipment.
EVACUATION PLAN WILL BE IMPLEMENTED
Ghebreyesus stated that Spanish authorities have prepared a comprehensive evacuation plan, and passengers will be disembarked at the Granadilla industrial port, far from residential areas. It was stated that passengers will be sent directly to their home countries via sealed and protected vehicles along a fully cordoned-off route, with no contact with the local population.
THANK YOU MESSAGE TO SANCHEZ
Expressing gratitude to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for the decision to accept the ship, Ghebreyesus described this step as "solidarity and moral responsibility." The WHO Director said that approximately 150 people from 23 different countries have been at sea for weeks on the ship and noted that under the International Health Regulations, Tenerife was determined as the most suitable and nearest port.
“I WILL FOLLOW THE PROCESS ON SITE”
Ghebreyesus also announced that he would go to Tenerife to follow the process on site. The WHO Director stated that he would meet with healthcare workers and port personnel to deliver a message of solidarity.
THANKS TO THE CREW AND THE PEOPLE OF TENERIFE
Furthermore, Ghebreyesus noted that the ship's captain Jan Dobrogowski, the crew, and the operating company have demonstrated exemplary cooperation throughout the process, and thanked all relevant parties and the people of Tenerife on behalf of WHO.