Spanish officials are finalizing an “unprecedented operation” to receive the hantavirus-affected MV Hondius cruise ship off Tenerife this weekend.The Dutch-flagged vessel is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands around midday on Sunday, May 10. It will anchor in the port of Granadilla and will not dock, Spanish authorities confirmed on Friday.

Passengers and crew — totaling 149 people from 23 countries — will remain onboard for medical evaluation. No contact with the local population is planned.

“This is an unprecedented operation in response to an international health alert involving 23 countries,” García told state radio RNE.

Regional Tensions in the Canary Islands

The decision to bring the ship to the Canary Islands has sparked strong opposition from local authorities. Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, had initially objected and argued that Spain had no legal obligation to accept the vessel. He believes the operation should have been handled in Cape Verde, which refused the ship permission to dock.Clavijo stressed that every precaution is being taken to minimize risk to residents.

“We know with certainty that no one will get off the ship if their plane is not already waiting on the runway,” he said.

The town council of Granadilla de Abona also expressed concerns about the lack of consultation.

Low Public Risk, According to WHO

The WHO reiterated on Friday that the risk to the general public remains minimal, as the Andes strain of hantavirus involved spreads only through very close, prolonged contact.

So far, three passengers have died and at least eight confirmed or suspected cases have been linked to the ship. The vessel left Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and has been at sea since being denied docking in Cape Verde.Health authorities worldwide continue contact tracing for passengers who disembarked earlier in the voyage.The MV Hondius is expected to remain anchored off Tenerife for a short period while medical assessments and repatriations are carried out.

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