Transportation, virologic testing, clinical examinations: As the repatriation of the five French nationals still onboard the MV Hondius could take place as early as Sunday, protocols for their care are becoming more defined.

The president of the Canary Islands said he was opposed to allowing the ship to dock in Tenerife and requested an urgent meeting with the prime minister.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says the situation is "very serious and deeply stressful" for those involved.