British passengers and crew from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak will be repatriated to the UK and isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital on Wirral, Merseyside. The facility, which served as a quarantine center during the COVID-19 pandemic, will once again host evacuees under government plans.

Arrowe Park Hospital: A Familiar Quarantine Site

Arrowe Park Hospital, dubbed “Camp Corona” in 2020, previously housed British nationals evacuated from Wuhan, China, during the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. The hospital has also been used for Ebola quarantine, making it a key facility for handling infectious disease cases.

Repatriation from Tenerife

The affected group, including 19 passengers and three crew members, will be flown to the UK from Tenerife. The Spanish government has confirmed plans to send a repatriation flight for the group. Upon arrival, they will be isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Symptomatic Cases to Be Treated Separately

Any individual showing symptoms of hantavirus will be transferred to another facility for further treatment. This precautionary measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure proper medical care for those affected.

Government Response and Precautions

The UK government's decision to use Arrowe Park Hospital reflects its experience in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The facility's role in previous health crises makes it a suitable choice for handling the current hantavirus situation.