The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a new update confirming that 'all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK'.
Repatriation and Monitoring
The UKHSA announced on Monday, May 11, that the Government had collaborated with international partners to guarantee the safe return of all remaining British nationals aboard the MV Hondius, with passengers now securely transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital. 20 British nationals, along with one German national who is a UK resident, and one Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius are currently being monitored at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.
Within a 72-hour period, these passengers will undergo clinical assessments and testing. The UK Government repatriated the Japanese passenger at the request of the Japanese Government, and they will complete their isolation in the UK in accordance with UKHSA guidance.
Infection Control Measures
Stringent infection control measures have been maintained throughout the journey, with passengers, crew, drivers and medical teams all wearing essential personal protective equipment, including face masks. During the 72-hour period at Arrowe Park, public health specialists from UKHSA and infectious diseases experts from the NHS will evaluate their current condition and establish where passengers can appropriately isolate. Passengers will be required to isolate for up to 45 days upon their return, with regular testing and care provided by the NHS and UKHSA.
Throughout their isolation period, passengers will receive daily contact from UKHSA health protection teams to monitor their wellbeing and ensure they are adequately supported to isolate safely. The UK government will guarantee those self-isolating receive the appropriate assistance.
Collaboration and Risk Assessment
UKHSA has collaborated with public health teams across devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to track down any individuals who had potential high-risk contact with cases, and will maintain close contact with these individuals for 45 days from the point of potential exposure.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: 'We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility. Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful. Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers. The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public.'
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said: 'I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best. None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.'
