The Civil Guard and the National Police have activated their respective action protocols in anticipation of the imminent arrival in Tenerife of a cruise ship with hantavirus cases. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of officers involved in tasks related to the vessel's passengers.
The document prepared by the Civil Guard's Central NRBQ Operations Unit warns that passengers transferred to reference centers, such as the Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid or facilities in the Canary Islands, will be considered high-risk contacts. Therefore, escort patrols must keep windows closed and the air system in recirculation mode.
The Civil Guard protocol also states that when interacting with medical vehicles, officers must always position themselves upwind and maintain a safe distance. Furthermore, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in situations of direct contact with infected or quarantined individuals.
“"Police action must be based on the principle of precaution and coordination with specialized units in nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical risks, especially in scenarios beyond routine environmental contact."
The report emphasizes that the detected hantavirus strain has documented human-to-human transmission capability in cases of close contact, necessitating extreme caution. The primary risk is associated with inhaling contaminated aerosols from rodent excreta or saliva in enclosed or dusty environments. Nevertheless, the instructions focus on preventing officers from becoming vectors of transmission during the cruise ship operation.
Civil Guard officers who have had close contact with a confirmed case must remain under active surveillance. If they develop symptoms within 45 days of the intervention, they must immediately report it to their superiors and seek medical attention, indicating their participation in the operation.
Meanwhile, the National Police protocol assesses the risk of contagion as low, but recommends preventive measures such as space ventilation and the use of masks and eye protection in the presence of airborne dust or dirt.
The activation of these protocols occurs as Tenerife prepares for the cruise ship operation. The vessel will remain anchored near Granadilla, and its passengers will receive care under special health security measures.
