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Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Hondius Docks in Rotterdam as Crew Enter Quarantine

Health officials say the public faces minimal risk under strict quarantine and cleaning protocols.

Overview

  • The ship, which arrived Monday at Calandsteiger 7, moved most of the 27 remaining crew to a secured Europoort site with 23 portacabins for about a month of quarantine.
  • EWS Group will start deep cleaning and disinfection Tuesday, a three to four day operation carried out under RIVM, WHO and GGD guidelines while a small essential crew stays aboard.
  • RIVM and the local GGD say hantaviruses rarely spread from person to person, and they rate the risk to Rotterdam as minimal as crews undergo testing and daily monitoring.
  • The body of a 65-year-old German passenger who died on May 2 remains under specialist care for cremation, with her ashes to be returned to family.
  • Operator Oceanwide Expeditions canceled late May and early June sailings and plans to resume service from Spitsbergen on June 13 after the ship is certified clean.