A Greek passenger evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius following an April hantavirus outbreak has tested negative for the virus and remains in good health, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Thursday.
The passenger, who has not been publicly identified, is being kept in quarantine at Attikon General University Hospital for 45 days as a precautionary measure ahead of Greece’s tourist season.
Speaking to state broadcaster ERT, Georgiadis said the extended quarantine reflects Greece’s decision to apply the strictest health protocols possible. He noted that while home isolation was an option, authorities opted for hospital monitoring to eliminate any potential public health risk during a critical period for the country’s tourism industry.
The minister thanked the passenger for cooperating with the measures, describing his compliance as a contribution to public safety and economic stability. He also stressed that all necessary precautions have been taken and urged the public not to overreact.
Georgiadis dismissed online speculation about new quarantines or mandatory mask measures, saying no such plans exist. He also clarified that hantavirus is not comparable to COVID-19.
