The Government of Canada says four Canadian citizens are being repatriated from Spain following an outbreak of Andes hantavirus aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius.
In a joint update issued Sunday, Global Affairs Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said Canadian officials are working with domestic and international health authorities, including Spain, the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, to monitor the situation and support affected travellers.
Officials said a Global Affairs Canada consular officer and a PHAC public health officer have been in Tenerife, Spain since Thursday and remain in direct contact with the Canadians aboard the ship.
According to the statement, all passengers have been following strict isolation protocols since May 4 and remain asymptomatic.
The federal government chartered an aircraft to return the Canadians to Canada, with public health measures including masking and physical distancing in place during the flight.
The MV Hondius arrived in the Canary Islands on Sunday, where passengers underwent final health assessments before disembarking. Spanish medical personnel conducted additional screening before travellers were transported directly to the airport.
Officials said the Canadians were assessed as asymptomatic before boarding the flight.
The chartered aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Bagotville, Que., on Sunday afternoon before the passengers continue on to British Columbia.
Upon arrival in British Columbia, local public health authorities will assess the travellers before they enter self-isolation at a predetermined location for a minimum of 21 days, retroactive to May 6, which officials identified as the last day a confirmed case was onboard the ship.
Health authorities will later determine whether the isolation period needs to be extended to a maximum of 42 days based on ongoing health assessments and guidance from the World Health Organization.
The Canadian Armed Forces is assisting with logistical support and temporary facility access as part of the repatriation effort after authorization from the federal defence minister.
Officials said the travellers will have access to medical care, mental health and psychological supports, and testing should symptoms develop.
PHAC said its assessment, consistent with that of the World Health Organization, is that the overall risk to the Canadian public remains low.
“While transmission between people can occur this is very rare and requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is sick,” the statement said.
“We thank all four of these Canadians for their cooperation during this difficult voyage,” the statement added. “The Government of Canada’s priority is supporting their health and wellbeing, as well as that of all Canadians.”
