Health officials are preparing to quarantine four Australian citizens and a permanent resident after they were evacuated from a cruise ship hit with a deadly outbreak of Hantavirus. The five individuals are set to arrive in Perth this week, but there have been reports of a new plan in place for their arrival.
Delays in Repatriation Flight
According to 7News, the plane sent to carry the five Australian passengers to Perth did not arrive on time. The passengers are being monitored for symptoms of the rat virus and are expected to quarantine upon arrival. It is understood that the Australian Federal Government faced difficulties securing an aircraft at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, where the cruise ship remains docked.
Spanish authorities have indicated that the Australians will instead travel to the Netherlands before taking the final flight out. The exact timing of their arrival in Perth remains unknown.
Quarantine Arrangements
Once the Australians—and one New Zealand national—touch down at Perth's RAAF base in Pearce, they will be transferred to the Bullsbrook quarantine facility for isolation lasting at least three weeks. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed on Monday afternoon that none of the passengers are currently displaying symptoms of the virus.
“The Commonwealth has consulted with Western Australia, which was always going to be the first port of entry by this repatriation flight, and also with New South Wales and Queensland, directly given that the Australians are all residents of those two states,” he said.
Butler added that the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) has been consulted on the arrangements. “This period of three weeks quarantine will obviously only cover part of the 42-day quarantine period, or potential incubation period that is understood to be relevant to this particular virus. As we move into that three week period, we’ll be seeking further advice from the Chief Health Officers through the AHPC about what arrangement should take place beyond that initial three weeks.”
Bullsbrook Facility Activated
The $400 million Bullsbrook quarantine facility was built during the COVID pandemic and completed in 2022 but has never been used, sitting empty ever since. Its activation marks the first time it will be utilised for its intended purpose.
Public Reassurance
AMA WA President Kyle Hoath urged the public not to panic, but reminded people to stay home if they are feeling unwell. “There’s no need for public concern around the Hantavirus at this stage,” he said.
The situation continues to develop as health authorities monitor the passengers and finalise quarantine protocols.
