In a detailed statement, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed citizens directly to assure them that the situation with the MV Hondius, which will dock at the port of Granadilla, does not pose a significant threat. He stressed that there are no symptomatic passengers on board and that hantavirus is not comparable to the COVID-19 crisis.
“"There are no symptomatic passengers on board. This is not another COVID, and the current public health risk from hantavirus remains low."
The WHO leader praised the Spanish authorities' handling of the situation, describing the reception plan as “careful and detailed.” He explained that passengers will be transported in sealed and guarded vehicles, through a cordoned-off corridor, without contact with the local population. Spanish citizens on board will be taken to Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid for quarantine.
The decision to receive the vessel, according to Tedros, was a response to a formal request from the WHO, in compliance with the International Health Regulations. These regulations require identifying the nearest port with adequate medical capacity, a criterion that Tenerife met. The WHO Director thanked the President of the Spanish Government for the decision, calling it an “act of solidarity and moral duty.”
The head of the WHO also announced his intention to visit Tenerife to oversee the operation and acknowledge the work of the healthcare, port, and government officials involved. He concluded his message by thanking the people of Tenerife, the ship's crew, and the operating company, highlighting solidarity as the best defense against viruses.
