The regional government of Spain’s Canary Islands has rejected the possibility of allowing a luxury cruise ship affected by a suspected hantavirus outbreak to dock in the archipelago, citing concerns over public safety and a lack of clear technical information.
Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands regional government, said on Wednesday that the decision was not based on sufficient health data to reassure authorities or the public.
“This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” Clavijo told radio station COPE.
Clavijo also said he had requested an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to address the situation. He is a member of the conservative People’s Party, which is the main opposition to Sanchez’s Socialist government.
Earlier on Wednesday, Spanish state broadcaster TVE reported that the cruise ship was expected to dock in Tenerife, citing sources within Spain’s health ministry. However, the ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The vessel has been linked to a suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a serious rodent-borne disease, prompting heightened concern among regional authorities over potential health risks associated with allowing passengers and crew to disembark.
