The President of the Government met at La Moncloa with the WHO Director-General to address the situation of the MV Hondius. This meeting precedes the WHO Director-General's departure for Tenerife, where he will oversee the operation alongside the Minister of Health and the Ministers of Interior and Territorial Policy.
The delegation will monitor the situation live from the established command post, aiming to ensure coordination among different administrations and the correct application of health surveillance and response protocols, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
“"This health crisis is not another Covid-19, and the risk to public health remains low."
In a letter addressed to the residents of Tenerife, the WHO Director-General praised the island's response, describing it as an act of “dignity, solidarity, and compassion”. He also confirmed his personal presence on the island to supervise the disembarkation and repatriation of passengers.
The cruise ship is expected to arrive in Tenerife between 4:00 and 6:00 AM on Sunday, Canary Islands time. Spanish passengers and the epidemiologist representing the WHO from Africa are anticipated to be the first to disembark.
